Resource Directory

Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Springfield-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.

Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Naperville-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.

Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Chicago-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.

VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Joliet, IL veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.

VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Aurora, IL veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.

Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Chicago, IL veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.

VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Chicago, IL veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Springfield, IL administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Rockford, IL administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.

American Legion Department of IL accredited service officer support for Springfield-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.

Employment and training services for Illinois veterans including job placement and career counseling.

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Aurora, IL administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Chicago, IL administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Peoria area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Peoria area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Peoria veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.

SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Peoria who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.

Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Springfield-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Aurora area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.

Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Springfield veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.

Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Naperville veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Naperville veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.

SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Naperville who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.

Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Joliet veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Rockford area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Rockford veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.

SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Rockford who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.

HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Rockford veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.

American Legion Department of IL accredited service officer support for Rockford-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.

Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Aurora veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.

Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Aurora veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.

Community-based VA Vet Center serving Aurora area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Chicago area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Chicago area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Chicago veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.

SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Chicago who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Springfield-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs administers Illinois-specific veteran family programs and benefits and connects veterans with accredited service officers, state benefits, and local resources.

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Springfield veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Naperville veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Naperville-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.

Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Naperville area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.

Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Joliet-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Rockford veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Chicago-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Chicago veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

Support for Illinois family caregivers of eligible veterans, including the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, stipends, training, respite care, and caregiver support coordinators.

Step-by-step official VA instructions for Illinois veterans seeking to upgrade or correct a less-than-honorable discharge through the Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records.

Locate VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers serving Illinois veterans. Confirm services, hours, and the closest location using the VA facility locator.

Free civil legal help for Peoria-area veterans from Prairie State Legal Services - Peoria Office, the legal-aid organization serving Peoria, IL. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, housing, and consumer issues.