Third Presbyterian partners with a number of organizations that provide ministries of compassion and assistance in the region.

 

Call 211 or reference the agencies listed below to help with problems.

 

Emergency and crisis assistance

Catholic Charities, 555 Colman Center Dr., Rockford, 815.399.4300. Aids people of all faiths, providing short-term assistance for utility bills as funding allows. The primary goal is to help people get back on their feet by helping them achieve a degree of independence and become self-sufficient. Other assistance is offered for seniors, immigrants, and children. http://catholiccharities.rockforddiocese.org/

 

The Salvation Army of Rockford, 815.226.4400. Helps people with rent, food, clothing, eviction prevention assistance, furnishings, household products, etc. They also run the Kilburn Community Center, 210 N. Kilburn, 815.227.0635, offers free computer classes, tutoring, resume review services, after-school care and supervised recreation. Case managers partner with clients to help them gain long term stability and increase their income.https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/rockfordtemple/

 

Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave, Rockford, 815.964.6885. Provides qualified families with various supportive services. Low-income families and single moms may be able to receive help to meet life’s fundamental challenges. Learn about housing and rental assistance programs, financial assistance for heating bills, food, and much more.http://northwestrockford.org/

 

Ken-Rock Community Center, 625 Adams St., Rockford, provides free tax assistance to seniors and low income families from January to April of each year. 815.398.8864.https://www.kenrock.org/#
 

LifeScape Community Services helps people over the age of 60 as well as disabled. The SeniorAssist program offers information on LIHEAP low income energy programs, home repairs, applying for health assistance such as Medicare, and other aid. They also may have information on grant programs for housing or rent assistance. 705 Kilburn Avenue, Rockford, 815.963.1609.. https://lifescapeservices.org/services/

 

DHS Family Community Resource Center in Winnebago County – Apply for government and public assistance here. Programs include TANF cash assistance, SNAP food stamps, and medical bill assistance programs. 171 Executive Parkway, #101, Rockford, call 815.987.7620.

 

Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State, Rockford, 815.965.5332, is for the very low income, evicted, and homeless. The charity is involved in helping residents with basic needs. Rockford area families can receive short-term housing solutions, free food, or medical/dental care. They can help with job search from the education center and other crisis assistance programs.https://www.rockfordrescuemission.org/

 

Winnebago County Referral Line, 888.865.9903 or 211. Anyone can call to learn about assistance programs, which include, but are not limited to: educational resources such as Head Start, job training, and child care vouchers; applications for food stamps and grant programs; financial literacy around credit counseling and parenting; and shelter, transitional and supportive housing services.

 

The City of Rockford Human Services Department, 612 N. Church, 815.987.5782, administers an assistance program for people in need of help with energy bills. The Department is the local agency that distributes cash grants from the federal government funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Winnebago County. The amount of assistance will vary based on household income, fuel type, and size. https://www.rockfordrescuemission.org/

 

Help for child care expenses

The Blackhawk Learning Connection can provide child care and support, 421 Buckabee St., Rockford. 815.962.8853. Their main mission is to provide high quality, yet affordable child care. The program they offer is for low to moderate income families and individuals that currently live in Rockford. BLC is a licensed child care center that provides free or discounted care for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
 

Job finding and career development

The Careers Etc. organization’s mission is to empower low income, jobless, recently unemployed, and other economically disadvantaged individuals. They want people to be able to provide for themselves and their families. They assist people in finding a job and develop meaningful careers, provide career counseling, job readiness training, development opportunities, resources and other services. 5301 E. State, Suite 207, 815.964.3491. 

 

Winnebago County rent and foreclosure assistance

The City of Rockford Human Services Department, 612 N. Church St., Rockford, has a housing program. Its services include mediation for landlord/tenant complaints, rent assistance, homeless prevention through direct financial assistance and cash grants, and foreclosure counseling for persons who may lose their homes. Call them at (815) 987-5782. https://rockfordil.gov/venue/3790/

 

Free legal assistance

If you are facing a civil legal action, Prairie State Legal Services, 303  N. Main, offers free legal assistance, representation and other services for low income persons, the elderly, disabled, and people over 60. 815.965.2134. https://www.pslegal.org/default.asp

 

Free food in Winnebago County

Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, 770 Lincoln Ave., Rochelle, Tues & Fri. 1-2:30 pm. 815.562.6654.

https://www.foodpantries.org/li/rochelle_christian_61068

 

St. Bridget Catholic Church Food Pantry, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, 815-877-1664,. 1st & 3rd

Wed 3 – 6:30 pm https://www.stbridgetlovespark.org/service-teams/st-bridget-food-pantry

 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center may have boxes of free food, meals, groceries, and more. 1505 S. Main St, Rockford, IL 61102 Dial (815) 965-6993.  Mon-Thur. 1 – 2:30 pm, Fri. 9:30 – 10:30 am.

 

 

Rock River Valley Food Pantry, 421 S Rockton Ave, 815-965-2466, Hours are Mon-Fri, 1 – 4 PM

https://www.rrvp.org/

 

Medical and health care

Contact the Winnebago County Health Department, 355 N. Court St., Rockford, for low cost or maybe free health care and medical services. Programs offered include Well Child Clinics, Immunizations, Flu Shots, Check Ups, and other health care services. 815-720-4000. https://www.wchd.org/

 

Rockford Rescue Mission Hope Clinic, 715 W. State, may offer free medical care. This can include dental assistance, general testing, referrals, chiropractic care, and treatment for non-chronic ailments. 815-965-5332 x117. https://www.rockfordrescuemission.org/

 

The Bridge Clinic is staffed by volunteers. Nurses and doctors provide limited amounts of free basic medical care to people age 18 and older. It is offered for people who lack health insurance and also meet low income levels. Referrals to other local health care agencies and federal government medical programs may be offered too. 318 N. Church Street, Second-First Church of Rockford, 815-494-1594.
 

Credit repair, debt reduction, and foreclosure prevention

Family Credit Management offers several different financial assistance and advice programs. Meet with a non-profit counselor to get help managing credit card bills and debts, get free or low-cost advice on mortgage troubles and foreclosure filings, and develop a household spending plan that works, or get information and resources on repairing your credit and finances. 4304 Charles St., Rockford,
815.484.1600. \
 
 

Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition also offers mortgage default and foreclosure prevention counseling and purchasing assistance. 205 N Church St., (815) 962-2011.  https://www.lowincomehousing.us/det/il_Rockford_Area_Affordable_Housi