Utility Assistance Resources
Mid Central Community Action (MCCA) can provide resources to help individuals and families that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis build stability and sustainability.
MCCA provides workshops and services to help with:
Job training and finding employment
One-on-one financial coaching, credit counseling and education (in Bloomington)
Building credit, savings and assets
Applying for programs such as food stamps, utility assistance and affordable health insurance as needed
Supporting victims of domestic violence
Foreclosure intervention and solutions
Housing for homeless individuals with disabilitiesNorth Shore Gas Assistance Options
If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, North Shore Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.
They also include information about these programs:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
Share the Warmth, company- and customer-funded heating grantsNortheast Community Fund in Decatur
Northeast Community Fund helps families in the Decatur and Macon County community with food, clothing, household goods and funding for utility payments, obtaining IDs, baby formula and wipes, emergency lodging and prescription medicines. The organization’s food pantry provides monthly food baskets to those in need. It also operates a microfinance program and a program for families to work with a staff member and mentor to achieve short- and long-term goals to move towards self-sufficiency.
Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance
If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.
Renter and Homeowner Resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPD) offers a variety of resources for homeowners and renters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available resources include information about relief programs, tenant rights, assistance for landlords, mortgage assistance, rent assistance, utility assistance and more.
This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.
No service terminations and waived late fees for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Increased data allowances and other supports for customers
Verizon COVID-19 response, following the FCC agreement to waive late fees, no cutoff service, etc.
Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families. The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance. Visit the WNCF website to learn about:
Income and eligibility guidelines
Program coverage areas
Help for weatherizing your home
Energy bill payment programs