News

The Eviction Moratorium in the state of Illinois has been extended until April 3, 2021, which allows those impacted by COVID-19 to remain in their residences despite late and missed payments. Just this week, the CDC has signed an extension on the agency’s moratorium on evictions through June 30, further preventing the eviction of tenants who are unable to make rental payments.

Click here to read the full CDC Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19

We know from talking to the many that reach out to SVdP Chicago for rental and utility bill assistance, that missed payments are piling up and a looming crisis hangs over the heads of many as they attempt to keep current with household bills while working to catch up with late rent balances. “About 42% of Illinois residents are behind in their rent due to COVID,” said Karla Chrobak of CARPLS, a Chicago-based legal aid organization. “We’re talking millions of dollars of back rent, millions.”

In Suburban Cook County there is financial help available to assist renters now. Applications are now open for the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance program. It pays up to $15,000 to help cover 12 months of missed rent and utilities payments and up to 3 months of future rent payments. Payments will be made directly to the landlord and utility company. The deadline to apply has been extended and applications now open until April 9 at 5:00 pm.

Click here for the online application and more details

Sometime in April or May, the state of Illinois expects to open up its Emergency Rental Assistance program where renters can apply up to $25,000. Same for Chicago residents, who will have their own program with no financial cap.   Click here for Illinois rental assistance resources
All programs are run like a lottery system and an application is not a guarantee. We are hoping these current and forthcoming resources can be of use to the friends in need SVdP Chicago Council, Districts, and Conferences serve.

The 2021 Donation Drive Schedule has been released! Take note of the drive that works best for you and mark your calendar!

If you would like to schedule a Donation Drive for your local community, please click here to contact us via email
or call Karen at 773-779-6700 x111

When you donate with SVdP Chicago, you change lives! Used clothing, household goods, furniture no longer needed, old craft supplies, new items that were never worn, gifts we could not use but forgot to return.  They make a difference every day!

Our thrift stores serve as the destination for receiving, processing, and selling those donations.  Our prices are low so that those looking to find quality goods on a tight budget can be provided for.  Those that are struggling and have come to us for help, when qualified, receive a voucher to shop our stores at no cost, with dignity and respect.  We do not group items as other thrift stores do.  All items are available to all that need, every day! We also provide jobs and skill training, giving those who need the opportunity the most possibilities of a better tomorrow.  SVdP Chicago works with local organizations to help provide needed items such as, blankets and clothing to BEDS and other homeless shelters, baby items for mothers in need, and school supplies for low income families.  Blankets and towels not suitable for use can find a home at a local animal shelter.
At the end of the day, after the light bill is paid and our basic costs for operating our stores are covered, proceeds from your donations are used to support our volunteer led programs that help those in need in Lake and Cook Counties. With over 33 food pantries, community dinners and food trucks, we fulfill the need for those who are food insecure. Whether it is assisting a family with utility bills, medical bills, rent, groceries, or helping a homeless family have a place to sleep, the Society is there! 

We have some amazingly good news to share today! SVdP Chicago is proud to congratulate our Council Vice President, Mike Syslo, on being named the Chairperson of the National Governance Committee! This role is a reflection of the effort and commitment Mike has given to The Society and we wish him great success as he begins this new chapter in his Vincentian journey.  Never fear, he will still remain our Vice President and we are most grateful for that. God bless you Mike for your good works and service!

SVdP Chicago is hosting a New and Improved Ozanam Orientation on March 22, 23, and 24, 2021. It is a 3-part webinar series that will begin at 6:30 pm each evening. End times: 3/22- 8:45 pm, 3/23- 8:50 pm, 3/24-8:10 pm

In order to get credit for attending this required program, you must attend all three parts. You may attend one or two of the parts now and pick up the rest at a later date. This is a virtual interactive presentation rather than in-person training and requires your attendance through the use of a computer, iPad, Smartphone, or like device. To participate, you cannot attend simply by telephone (landline) because you must see the presentation as well as hear it. Additional Information will be sent when you register.

Who should attend?
– New members – to learn who we are, what we are about, and how you can help to transform our culture.
– Existing members – to get reacquainted with how you can help to transform our culture.

What Will Be Discussed?
– As a Member, Do You Know Your Title?
– What is Our History?
– What is Vincentian Spirituality?
– What are SVdP’s Cultural Beliefs?
– What are SVdP’s Key Results?
– What is SVdP Culture?
– How You Can Help Transform SVdP?
– Do You Understand Poverty?
– Why do we make Home Visits?

Register Today! Email Mike Syslo at mike.syslo@outlook.com with your Name, Conference, District, Phone, Home Address, and Email Address. Additional information will be sent to you via email after you register.

We asked for your help to help those displaced and needing clothing after a motel fire in Melrose Park.  Your response blew us away! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out in cold, snowy conditions to donate.  

On hand was Melissa, with Leyden Township, Jim P. – SVdP Chicago Disaster Coordinator, Dennis – our SVdP Driver, and Harry O. (not pictured because he was taking all the photos!) –  SVdP President

Dennis, Jim, and Melissa On-Site to Accept Donations

All donations were processed and sorted by our Libertyville Thrift Store Staff and Volunteers and made ready for distribution to the 47 adults and 2 children in need.

Your donations are very much appreciated, thank you for answering the call and helping our neighbors in need!

We are reaching out with a critical call for Clothing Donations Only this Saturday.  SVdP Chicago Disaster Services is involved with assisting 46 adults and 2 children who have been displaced due to a fire earlier this week.

Our SVdP Chicago truck will be answering the call for need this Saturday, February 13th.
It will be located at the Leyden Township Town Hall Parking Lot
2501 N Mannheim Rd. Franklin Park, IL, 60131
from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm to accept clothing donations only.

Your donations are very much appreciated, thank you for helping our neighbors in need!