General Assistance Department & Food Pantry

(630) 529-9993

General Assistance

General Assistance is a monthly grant program, mandated by State Law and administered exclusively by Illinois Townships, for individuals in need, who meet certain eligibility requirements. The term came out of the Social Security Act of 1935, stating that if a person does not fit into categories administrated by Social Security or Department of Human Services, they fell into a “general” category; hence the term General Assistance.

Eligibility Guidelines are as follows:

• Must be a Township resident
• 18 years of age and out of High School
• No potential means of income
• Have applied and been found ineligible for other State or Federal benefits
• Must be able to work, job search and do work fare Or Pending Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income

Emergency Assistance

NEW rental assistance available May 17, 2021 through the Illinois Rental Payment Program:  Illinois Rental Payment Program     Programa de Pago de Renta de Illinois

Emergency Assistance is a needs based program for Township residents. Eligibility is income qualified based on family size. Those who qualify may receive assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, and food. Individuals can receive Emergency Assistance once in a twelve (12) month period.

In addition the Township General Assistance Department negotiates with major utility companies as well as local municipalities regarding client cut-off notices as well as working with landlords and the Sheriff's Office to help prevent evictions. Likewise referrals are made to several agencies including the Illinois Department of Human Services (formerly known as Public Aid), Unemployment offices, Social Security, DuPage Housing Authority, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Family Shelter, WIC (Woman Infants and Children) Program, Mental Health Facilities, Access DuPage and many more.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

DuPage County administers the LIHEAP program. However for the convenience of our clients the Township assists in filling out and accepting applications. It is designed to help eligible people, with grants paid directly to the utilities, for residential gas and electric bills. This program is income-qualified based on family size and runs from September 1st through May 31st of every year.   More details on the DuPage County flyer:   LIHEAP.pdf

If you wish to determine your eligibility for these programs you may do so by calling 630-529-9993 to make an appointment with a General Assistance case worker.

Co-Operative Programs

Bloomingdale Township in conjunction with Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry, Inc. provides assistance for Township residents in need through donations from private individuals, corporations and other not-for-profit organizations.

The Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry, Inc. is separate a not-for-profit organization qualified as a tax exempt entity under IRS code 501(c)(3) supported by local churches, schools, individuals, civic and community groups. The Pantry helps needy clients through these joint programs with Bloomingdale Township General Assistance Department.

Food Pantry

Eligibility Requirements: Current utility bill. This is needed once per year at initial sign up to prove residency.

Hours of Operation

Open Pantry

Every Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Open pantry is available to qualified individuals living in Bloomingdale Township. You can visit the pantry without an appointment during this time though it is recommended that you arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. to guarantee service.  Residents may participate twice per calendar month.

The Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry, Inc. raises funds and encourages food drives to operate a food pantry that is housed in the General Assistance Office. The pantry is capable of storing both perishable and non-perishable items. Volunteers help staff the pantry to stock the shelves and rotate items. The pantry is an asset to the Township, providing the General Assistance Office with a donated source of food to ensure that the needy do not go hungry.   The Pantry is qualified as a tax exempt entity under IRS code 501(c)(3)  and your tax deductible donation can be used to purchase supplemental food and personal care items at a greatly reduced rate through the Pantry's partnerships with local businesses.  Additionally, with the generosity of Meijer's Simply Give Drive, customers can purchase cards which are donated to the food pantry to purchase food so we are able to help keep our shelves stocked for Township residents in need. For more information on how you can help, please visit our local Meijer store. Anyone wishing to sponsor a food drive, make a tax deductible donation, or has time during the day to volunteer at the pantry can please call for more information at 630-529-9993.

Holiday Food Program

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays the Township and Food Pantry will be handing out Holiday meals. With the help of individuals, local churches and schools we are able to provide hundreds of holiday food meals to Township families in need. Anyone interested in helping with the Holiday Food Basket program can call for more information at 630-529-9993.

2023 Christmas Meals will be passed out on Friday, December 15th from 9:00-3:00 at the transportation building. An ID and current utility bill are required. One holiday meal per car.

Please give us a call for additional details about the December holiday meals.

Toy Shop

The Township and Food Pantry will be hosting a Toy Shop to provide the Township's children in need with gifts for Christmas, ensuring that over 750 children have something under their tree for the holidays.  The Toy Shop will be open Friday 12/22 from 9:00AM until 3:00PM, when residents will be allowed to come in and pick out toys for their children.  Shopping requirements are an ID/Driver's License, current utility bill, and birth certificates for each child.  Anyone interested in donating or participating in this program, should please call 630-529-9993 for specifics.  

Helpful Links

Family Shelter Service
630.469.5650 (24 hours)
www.familyshelterservice.org

DuPage County State’s Attorneys Office
630.407.8000
www.dupageco.org/statesattorney

DuPage Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
630.407.8700
www.dupageco.org/courtclerk