A tsunami of civil legal problems is about to hit Illinoisans with many families having to deal with life-changing issues related to housing, employment, income, debt and the loss of a loved one.

In response, Illinois’ legal aid community has launched COVID H.E.L.P., a free tool for people in Illinois who are facing housing and employment and other economic problems because of COVID-19.

COVID H.E.L.P is available online 24/7 and is staffed by a team of lawyers from nonprofit organizations around the state, including IEJF grantees CARPLS, Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, Illinois Legal Aid Online and the Westside Justice Center.

Help for Homeowners & Renters

In partnership with legal aid organizations, Cook County recently launched the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) initiative aimed at helping residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. As part of the initiative, the Early Resolution Program provides free legal assistance, counseling, pre-court mediation and case management for residents and landlords.

Legal Aid Resources

 Here’s a full list of resources if people in your community need free or low-cost legal help during the COVID-19 crisis.