MCS Community Services offers rental grants to Morgan, Cass & Scott counties

When Morgan County government accepted the invitation to become the community action agency responsible for residents of Morgan, Cass and Scott counties, it assumed much more than administering just utility assistance. Today MCS Community Services provides the primary rental assistance funding throughout this three county region of Illinois.

Case managers at the local government agency are committed to stamping out homelessness. While this often ends with a grant provided on behalf of a household in need, it starts with an initial meeting with the client. Clients come from a variety of backgrounds and have had to deal with different challenges, but they all call because they are looking for a better solution.

Rental assistance comes in many forms at the agency. Each program is designed to assist with local residents who are experiencing a particular type of need. Residents must prove their need by providing documentation of all income in the household. Evidence of any recent financial hardship may improve a client’s chances at approval.

Emergency Food and Shelter Homeless Prevention

Cash grants are sometimes authorized to cover arrears on a current rental home. In other cases a client may be granted funds to pay a security deposit on a new rental. Both options are intended to prevent homelessness.

A certain amount of funding is dedicated towards tenants who would be without suitable housing if not for the assistance. In these cases aid can be released directly to the landlord on behalf of the client.

Back rent could be paid as long as it prevents the eviction. Security deposit aid can be provided if it is necessary for the family to be approved for a new tenancy.

Community Services Block Grants

One comprehensive source of aid is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) offering. This program provides aid for those who have received an eviction notice. Back rent can be paid, but only for up to a 30 day delinquency.

Scholarships could be approved when a household member needs additional training or certification in order to obtain a new job. Up to $1,000 could be provided for vocational training, technical college or university coursework.

Clients who want to start a new business could get a small business loan through the program. CSBGs can be used as a microfinance tool for someone looking to start or expand a small business.

Transitional Housing

Many tenants have been removed from rental housing or otherwise exhausted their welcome with friends in family. The transitional housing program is a solution for those who have no place to go.

Whereas a homeless shelter is for overnight emergencies, transitional housing may house locals for a few weeks or months while they plan their next move. It gives clients the opportunity to clear up past arrears, repair items on credit reports, save money towards future rent and identify an affordable long-term home to move into. Case managers help with all of this as well as to provide instruction on life skills and referrals to job skills training programs.

Potential clients who would like to learn about transitional housing facilities should call 217-243-9404. It just might provide the needed opportunity to get ahead on living costs once and for all.

Supportive Housing

Permanent rent subsidies are available for clients who have no means for being able to afford their monthly rent. This usually includes the elderly or those who are totally and permanently disabled.

All housing clients may reach MCS Community Services by calling 217-243-9404. Appointments are available at the Morgan County Courthouse on West State Street in Jacksonville. Instead of struggling and risking homelessness, a family could be back on track with just a phone call and an interview with a case manager.