Social Services
The goal of Township social services is to organize, coordinate and administer assistance programs to Township residents that aid residents with basic needs. The Township provides social services in the areas of mental health, disability services, senior services, youth services, employment support, transportation services, and welfare services.
Department Directory
Miram Herrera, Older Adult Programming & Benefits Specialist
- 224-222-0942
- mherrera@elkgrovetownship.com
For more information or to schedule an appointment any of these services
contact Elk Grove Township Social Services
224-265-6111
Assistance Programs
General Assistance
General Assistance (GA) is a public assistance program mandated by state law for qualified individuals. GA can only be provided to residents residing within Elk Grove Township who are 18 or older, a United States citizen or qualifying immigrant, and not eligible for other state of federal monetary benefits. GA can provide monthly payments to help individuals meet basic needs such as shelter, food, transportation, and utilities. Applicants will be required to complete an application and provide necessary forms and documentation before assistance eligibility can be established.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance (EA) provides financial support through a crisis circumstance such as an eviction or utility disconnection. Applicants must be a resident of Elk Grove Township, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and fall at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Emergency Assistance can be issued once in any twenty-four (24) month period. Applicants can contact the Social Services Department for an overview of the necessary documentation needed for approval.
Energy Cost Relief
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: (LIHEAP): A federal program to assist low-income households to pay for home energy (gas and electric)
Furnace Program: If your household is LIHEAP eligible and your heating system is not working or needs repair, we may be able to assist you.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): This program provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.
Weatherization: Weatherization improvements make homes safer and more comfortable. They also make structures of all kinds more energy efficient, lowering energy usage and utility bills in the long run. To qualify for this program you must meet the income guidelines. Our program applies to single-family and multi-family homes that meet minimum structural requirements.
Holiday Program Assistance
Thanksgiving Baskets: There has been an increase of nearly 150% in the usage of the Elk Grove Township’s Food Pantry over the last four years. Because of this increase, we are seeking donors who wish to help provide a Thanksgiving meal to a local household in need by helping us reach our monetary goal of $12,000! These funds will be used to purchase items for a complete Thanksgiving meal for our food pantry clients.
Hope For The Holidays: Donors who are interested in sponsoring children in our community can do so by providing families with a $50 gift card redeemable at a local retailer. Your generosity will enable parents to feel the joy of purchasing gifts for their children, and allow kids to get exactly what they whispered in Santa’s ear!
Older Adult Angel Tree: This year, beginning November 1, an “Angel Tree” will be placed on the west side of the Elk Grove Township building. Low-income seniors will be invited to place a gift wish on the tree to be granted by a generous community member. We invite residents to visit the township after November 1 to take a wish ornament and make a senior’s holiday season merry and bright!
Health Services
Access to Care
A non-profit primary healthcare program offering low-cost healthcare services for low-income, uninsured individuals, or those insured with a $1,500 or higher deductible, residing in suburban Cook County. This program is available to individuals who are ineligible for public health programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Benefits include primary care physician visits, labs and x-rays, prescription medications, and more.
Medical Lending Closet
The Lending Closet has a wide variety of gently used medical equipment available for residents to borrow for three (3) months at a time. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to find out if a desired item is currently available for lending. Simply call the Social Services department at 224.265.6111 and set up a time to pick up your item. Curbside pickup is available upon request.
Typical Items Available Include
- Walkers with seats
- Walkers without seats
- Wheelchairs
- Bath seats
- Bed tables
- Bed side rails
- Toilet seats with handles
- Shower chairs
- Knee scooters
Please call ahead as availability changes daily.
We also accept donations of new and gently used equipment, in good condition. Please call if you have items you would like to donate so we can determine if we have the capacity.
Mobile Dental Clinic
For residents without dental insurance, the Elk Grove Township Social Services Department along with the Northwest Community Dental Clinic offers oral health services to those who qualify. Poor oral health may be linked to heart disease, stroke, pre-term childbirth, and oral cancer. The Mobile Dental Clinic is staffed by a full-time dentist, program manager, and dental assistant. A $30 co-pay is charged for each adult appointment; there is no co-pay for children. For information or an appointment, please contact our Social Services Office at 224-265-6111. Screening is required to determine your eligibility for treatment.
