Social Services
Our Social Services team offers various levels of support, from comprehensive case management to those needing a simple referral. Through case management and informational sessions, we help immigrants and new Americans with accessing all of the resources in their community.
We are invested in providing immigrants and new Americans with vital resources and opportunities to build their lives here in Illinois.
Our Social Services
Housing Programs
We provide immigrants with housing assistance and education on rental laws and homeownership
Welcoming
Center
We provide a one-stop shop where immigrants, refugees, and new Americans can connect with services in their community
Public
Benefits
We provide information about eligibility and answer questions; we also assist with application, appeals, and redetermination
Educational Presentations
We deliver presentations about immigration law, higher education, tax ID numbers, and more
Some of our most frequent requests and popular programs are:
- Orientation to the community and its resources
- Finding support for basic needs, including food and clothing
- Interpretation and Translation
- Sign up for public benefits
- Accessing healthcare
- Preventing eviction
- Information about taxes and ITIN numbers
- Monetary assistance for people without a work permit
- Other financial support, including accessing programs for utility bills
Housing Programs
We support low-income immigrants in achieving stability and security in their new communities. One essential part of this journey is having access to safe, stable housing. Our team is here to help with housing-related programs, education, and overcoming language barriers when working with landlords or navigating the housing system.
Our programs and services depend on funding that can vary from year to year. While we strive to offer consistent support, the availability of certain programs or resources may change over time.
REFERRALS
For rental/housing assistance: Tenants can request rental/housing assistance in their county and receive a referral of organizations in the area offering financial assistance for rent.
EDUCATION ON RENTAL LAWS
Know your rights as a tenant. Tenants can request educational information on rental applications, understanding a rental lease, what is covered by a landlord and what a tenant should take care of.
EDUCATION ON OWNING A HOME
Potential homeowners can request educational information on the process of buying a home, what does it mean to have a mortgage and homeowners insurance.
ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR LANDLORD
Tenants can request assistance in communication with their landlord when it comes to concerns with their unit, with repairs or any other situation.
Welcoming Center
The Immigration Project partners with the Illinois Department of Human Services with the goal of being a one-stop shop where immigrants, refugees, and new Americans can connect with services in their community. For those with a specific need, we provide a “warm handoff,” referring them to a local service and providing the translation, interpretation, or cultural orientation necessary for them to access the service. For those with a variety of needs, such as new refugee arrivals with the desire to become self-supporting members of the community, we pair them with a caseworker who guides them step by step toward achieving their goals.
Welcoming Center History
In 2007, the Illinois Department of Human Services launched the Illinois Welcoming Center Program (IWC) to model a state-operated one-stop human service center designed to help immigrants and ELL (English Language Learning) individuals navigate state services and coordinate those state services with non-profit community social services. In 2017, the Welcoming Center Program transitioned to include a community-based service model that continues to operate as a one-stop human service center in a community setting. As part of a 2020 grant initiative from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Immigration Project sought to support the bolstering of a strong connective social services hub to complement immigrants’ legal needs in Illinois.
New Social Services Clients
If you are interested in becoming a social services client, you can call us at 309-829-8703 to schedule an appointment or visit any of our offices during walk‑in hours.
Bloomington-Normal Office
Location
211 Landmark Dr Suite D4, Normal, IL 61761
Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri | 10 am – 6 pm
Wed, Sat, Sun | closed
Champaign-Urbana Office
Location
409 Devonshire Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri | 10 am – 6 pm
Wed, Sat, Sun | closed
Springfield Office
Location
1999 Wabash Ave, Suite 201, Springfield, IL 62704
Hours
Tues, Thurs | 10 am – 6 pm
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | closed
Two Kankakee Locations
Kankakee Public Library
Location
201 E. Merchant St., Kankakee, IL 61901
Hours
Tuesday | 2 – 6 pm
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun | closed
Project Sun
Location
200 E. Court St., Suite 212, Kankakee, IL 60901
Hours
Tues, Thurs | 10 am-2 pm
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | closed
Public Benefits
The Immigration Project also offers the Immigrant Family Resource Program, which increases immigrant access to public benefits. We provide accurate information about eligibility for public benefits and answer questions about the impacts of receipt of benefits on one’s immigration case. We assist clients with initial application, appeals, and redetermination for federally funded programs such as SNAP and Medicaid as well as state initiatives such as Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA).
Educational Presentations
The Immigration Project’s Social Services team is charged by the Illinois Access to Justice initiative to provide accurate legal information and resource-centered cultural orientation to diverse audiences. We deliver informative presentations about US Immigration Law, higher education for non-citizens, civil rights, Individual Tax ID numbers, and more. Sharing this valuable education to immigrants and their allies is an important part of providing equitable access to justice and furthering Immigration Project’s mission.
Request a Presentation
Did you know that TIP can come to you? We offer a number of presentations, all designed to support immigrant communities. We can customize a presentation to fit your needs, depending on your group.
Contact us to discuss possibilities.
Know Your Rights
Designed for the immigrant community, to learn how to protect themselves
Immigration 101 for Allies
Learn how you can support immigrant communities
Agency Rights
Learn how to protect staff and patrons at your organization
Do you have questions related to the law or legal services?
Additional Resources
Not finding what you are looking for? Check out these additional resources.
Our Partners
