Your Community. Your Resources. Your Voice.
State Representative La Shawn K. Ford has spent over 17 years fighting to protect these resources for our community. Peoples Voice For Progress created this guide so you can access the services he helped secure.
Make Your Voice Heard
Take our quick 3-question community survey. Your input helps us understand what matters most to our neighbors.
Take our quick 3-question community survey. Your input helps us understand what matters most to our neighbors.
Community Resources
State Representative La Shawn K. Ford has been fighting to protect and expand these resources for our community. Know your rights. Access your benefits.
Rent & Housing
10 programs4 hidden gemsRental assistance, eviction prevention, homeownership
Illinois Housing Help (IHDA)
Rental assistance, eviction prevention, and housing counseling
IL Court-Based Rental Assistance (CBRAP)
Hidden GemUp to $10,000 for past-due rent for tenants in eviction court
Chicago DFSS Rental Assistance
Emergency rental assistance and homeless prevention
Food & Nutrition
5 programs1 hidden gemsFood pantries, SNAP, meal programs
Utilities & Internet
10 programs4 hidden gemsEnergy bills, water, phone, internet, computers
ComEd Financial Assistance
Low-income discount, waived deposits, catch-up programs
Healthcare & Prescriptions
8 programs5 hidden gemsInsurance, Medicare, free clinics, prescriptions
Get Covered Illinois (ACA)
Health insurance with subsidies — many qualify for $0 premium
Community Health Centers
Affordable healthcare at federally qualified health centers
Money, Taxes & Debt
8 programs5 hidden gemsTax help, debt relief, credit counseling, cash assistance
VITA Free Tax Preparation
Hidden GemFree tax filing + help claiming EITC (up to $7,430) and Child Tax Credit
Ladder Up Tax Clinic (IRS Disputes)
Hidden GemFREE legal representation for IRS disputes if income under $30K
Car & Vehicle Help
4 programs4 hidden gemsTickets, insurance, donated cars
Legal Aid & Family Court
9 programs6 hidden gemsExpungement, tenant rights, child support, immigration
Cabrini Green Legal Aid (Expungement)
Hidden GemFree criminal record clearing and expungement
Legal Aid Foundation of Chicago
Free civil legal services — housing, family law, immigration
CARPLS Legal Hotline
Hidden GemFree legal advice by phone for low-income Cook County residents
Jobs & Education
6 programs3 hidden gemsJob training, student loans, career programs
Greater West Town Training
Hidden GemFree vocational training — woodworking, shipping, logistics + GED
Childcare & Family
6 programs2 hidden gemsChildcare, after-school, domestic violence, parenting
IL Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Subsidized childcare — FREE for homeless families, military, DCFS
Head Start / Early Head Start
Free early childhood education + health/nutrition (birth to age 5)
BUILD Chicago After-School
Hidden GemFree after-school programs + meals for Austin community youth
Seniors, Veterans & Disability
8 programs5 hidden gemsTransit, property tax, VA benefits, disability services
IL Benefit Access Program
Hidden GemFree CTA/Pace/Metra rides + license plate discount for seniors 65+
Senior Freeze Exemption
Hidden GemFREEZES property tax value for seniors 65+ earning under $65,000
VA Aid & Attendance
Hidden GemExtra monthly pension for veterans needing daily care assistance
Emergency & Crisis Help
6 programs3 hidden gemsMedical debt, emergency assistance, crisis support
St. Vincent de Paul Chicago
Hidden GemEmergency help with rent, utilities, food, medical bills + low-cost furniture
Salvation Army Emergency
Emergency rent, utilities, food, clothing, transportation
Center for Changing Lives
Hidden GemHousing counseling, financial coaching, and crisis support
La Shawn K. Ford has been fighting for these services — and working to expand even more.
Can we count on your support to continue this work?
Need a Ride to the Polls?
Don't let transportation stop you from voting. Free and low-cost rides are available on Election Day, March 17, 2026.
Rideshare2Vote
Free round-trip rides to your polling place. Vetted, trained drivers provide white-glove service.
888-977-2250Request a Free RideCTA / Pace Public Transit
Chicago's public transit system can get you to your polling place.
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