COVID-19 Resources

We’re here to help.

CIC and The Preservation Compact continue to compile relevant resources for building owners and tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Preservation Compact convened partners at IHDA, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to coordinate information about their new rental assistance programs to create a unified webpage — a one-stop shop for property owners and tenants to find information on the programs.

We also continue advocating with our partners for meaningful government relief packages, and will update this page as resources become available.

As you browse resources, remember to note eligibility requirements, and contact the associated government agency or organization to learn more.

Local and national housing stakeholders have also compiled important resources which you can check out on our COVID-19 Resource Hubs and Articles page.

Do you know of a resource that would help tenants or owners? Email us to share!

Owner Information & Resources

RENTAL SUBSIDIES AND OTHER TENANT SUPPORT

  • The City of Chicago’s Department of Housing Emergency Relief for Affordable Multifamily Properties (ERAMP) program provides short-term operating support to multifamily affordable housing providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The ERAMP program can serve both government assisted and unsubsidized properties by providing grants and no-interest, deferred payment loans of up to $75,000 per property for eligible operating shortfalls and added COVID-related expenses. 
  • Tenants in the Chicago Metro Area who are at risk of eviction and/or homelessness can apply for emergency financial assistance by calling the Homelessness Prevention Call Center, where staff will evaluate their eligibility for financial assistance and other community resources. 
    • Tenants living in the City of Chicago can access this resource by calling 3-1-1 or 312-744-5000 and asking for “Short-Term Help.” The call center is open from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Thursday.
    • Tenants living in Suburban Cook County can access this resource by calling 1-877-426-6515.
  • Tenants can apply for unemployment online if they have lost their job.
    • The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has adopted special emergency rules to make the unemployment insurance system responsive to the current situation and has provided a FAQ.
  • Tenants can apply online for cash assistance and other assistance programs.
  • If a tenant has a tenant-based subsidy like a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) or if they live in a unit with a Project Based Voucher they should immediately contact the agency that provides the subsidy and request an interim re-examination of their income if they have lost their job or have had a reduction in income.
    • If the tenant can document loss of income, the housing authority or other agency will reduce the tenant’s rent portion and increase the amount of the rent that the agency’s payment will cover.
    • Chicago Housing Authority tenants can apply for an interim re-examination online through the participant portal. Owners and tenants can also contact the CHA Customer Call Center at 312-935-2600 or by emailing hcv@thecha.org.
    • Housing Authority of Cook County tenants should contact their Housing Specialist directly. Contact information for all of the Housing Specialists is available in HACC’s online directory.
  • The Chicago Housing Authority released a Frequently Asked Questions document that provides information about working with the CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • The Preservation Compact hosted two discussions with the Chicago Housing Authority to discuss changes to the PBV and HCV programs related to COVID-19.
    • View the slides and recording of the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) COVID-19 Process discussion.
    • View the slides and recording of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) COVID-19 Process discussion.

CONTACT YOUR LENDER

  • Any building owner should contact their lender directly to discuss any questions or concerns. Banks and lenders, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like CIC, are considered essential businesses and will remain open.
  • For existing CIC borrowers, your loan officer is the best resource. Please stay in close contact.

Management and Best Practices

OPERATIONS AND RENT COLLECTION

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

PUBLIC HEALTH AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Financial and Other Supports

FOOD ASSISTANCE

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

  • The Citizens Utility Board has a comprehensive overview of each utility’s policy, including information about phone and broadband plans.
  • The Illinois Commerce Commission adopted expanded protections for customers of Ameren, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, Peoples Gas, and other providers.
  • The Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount on broadband service and a one-time discount toward the purchase of a computer for eligible households.

OTHER ASSISTANCE

  • City Bureau has compiled a comprehensive, searchable Resource Finder to catalog resources available to those affected by the pandemic and economic crisis.
  • Tenants can access advice and information about resolving common housing issues using the Rentervention Tool.
  • The Center for Conflict Resolution provides free mediation services for landlords and tenants, and can assist with developing a payment plan and mediate other landlord-tenant issues.
  • Tenants can apply online for Medicaid.
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