Housing

Project NOW is committed to Housing and we offer a variety of housing programs to the residents of Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties, including:

• Over 90 units of Affordable Housing Rentals (more information)


• Assistance with Rent and Deposit Payments (more information)


• Homeless Services and Transitional Housing (more information)


• Weatherization to keep your home energy efficient (more information)

Housing Rehab

Homeowners who are at or below 50% Area Median Income may apply for available Rehab Programs. These programs address necessary repairs such as leaky roofs, plumbing issues, electrical problems, handicapped accessible bathrooms, and ramps.

Homebuyer Assistance

Project NOW Housing Division offers a variety of programs to the residents of Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties. These programs, funded primarily by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), bring essential services to help improve the communities we serve.

HUD Approved Homebuyer Education Classes
Please call Rock Island Economic Growth Corp. at 309-788-6311 to reserve your seat for the next available class. They are free and open to the public.

Rent Assistance

Rent and Security Deposit Assistance

Project NOW provides funds to pay for rent and deposits to help prevent people from becoming homeless.  These funds may be accessed to keep someone in their current housing or obtain new housing.  Participants attend a Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities Class to increase their knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of being a tenant.

Food and Nutrition Programs

• Food Stamp Outreach
  Many people who qualify for food stamps are not receiving them for a variety of reasons including lack of knowledge and the complexity of the application process. 
  
  How Project NOW offers help:
  • We meet with you to help you complete the Food Stamp application.  We can even send it in for you.
  • We help you through every step of the process and advocate for you if there are any obstacles along the way
  
  
• Summer Lunch Program
  In the summer months, lunch and activities are provided to children at different locations in the region where 50% or more of the school children qualify for free or reduced lunches.  The Summer Lunch program is free and children ages 3 to 18 are welcome.  Project NOW works closely with area schools and churches to identify areas where the need is greatest.
  
• Food Pantry Vouchers and Referrals
  Project NOW will assist clients in need of food by providing vouchers to local food pantries.  We also refer clients to no or low cost food distribution sites.
  

Health Care Assistance and Referrals

Prescription medication and medical supplies may be provided to low-income individuals and families who are experiencing extreme hardship.  In addition, Project NOW can assist clients in applying for the All Kids and Family Care state health insurance programs.  These programs offer Illinois’ uninsured children and their parents comprehensive health care that includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers.  Assistance applying for Illinois Cares RX, the state drug prescription assistance program that covers adults 65 years of age or older or people with disabilities aged 16 and over.  Clients may also be assisted with applying for Medicare.

Transportation Vouchers and Referrals

In some circumstances, vouchers for Metrolink may be provided to low-income individuals and families who are experiencing extreme hardship or need.  Clients who are elderly or disabled may contact Project NOW’s Senior Center for door-to-door accessible transportation.

Household Budgeting and Financial Literacy

Project NOW outreach workers and case managers are able to assist clients develop a basic budget.  Outreach workers are available to assist clients:

• Manage Their Money Through Better Planning
• Determine Wise Use of Credit
• Benefits of and What To Look for In Insurance Policies
• Find Free Tax Preparation