FAQs

Why should I give through organizations instead of directly to people experiencing homelessness?

It’s natural to want to help directly, but those experiencing homelessness often face deeper challenges that aren’t always visible. By giving through organizations, you’re ensuring they obtain the right kind of help – like food, shelter, healthcare, and other services – that’s designed to meet their unique needs. These local expert organizations know how to support people in a way that’s safe and respectful, helping them not just in the moment but preparing them with long-term solutions.

How do I know my contribution is making a meaningful difference?

Trusted organizations are committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that your contributions are used thoughtfully and effectively. Many of these agencies - are non-profit organizations, regularly sharing updates on their services, including updates and stories of impact. By giving through these organizations, you can rest assured that your support is reaching individuals in need in ways that are trauma-informed and intentional of their personal journey and supportive of long-term goals.

How else can I support those experiencing homelessness in my local community?

If you want to get more involved, there are a lot of ways to help! You can volunteer your time at shelters or food pantries, participate in donation drives, or even help organize events. When you work through these trusted organizations, you’re making sure that people get the help they need in an intentional, structured way. Volunteering is a great way to see firsthand the impact of your efforts and become more deeply involved in supporting your community.

 

What are the benefits of donating through trusted organizations?

The City of Aurora is proud to have qualified and credible subject matter experts like Hesed House, the second-largest shelter in Illinois, AID (Association for Individual Development), and Mutual Ground, who work directly with those experiencing homelessness. These organizations provide essential case management and tailored support to individuals in need. Additionally, food pantries such as Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes, and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry address food insecurity by delivering essential resources to individuals and families in need.

By donating through established organizations, you are supporting groups with the expertise and infrastructure necessary to deliver targeted assistance. They ensure that your donations are used efficiently and fairly to help as many people as possible. These organizations offer vital services such as mental health support, workforce training, substance abuse support, and more. Your contributions do more than meet immediate needs; they help create sustainable pathways out of homelessness. Click here to donate.

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness

How can I access resources or apply for assistance if I am experiencing homelessness?

If you are experiencing homelessness in Aurora, IL, please contact Hesed House at (630) 897-2156 for support and resources. If you are located in the greater Aurora-area, reach out to Association for Individual Development (AID), they can assist at (630) 966-4000. Please note that some organizations may require proof of Aurora residency.

Does the City of Aurora, IL offer rental assistance?

Yes, there are rental assistance options available in Aurora:

Does the City of Aurora, IL offer housing vouchers?

Housing vouchers can be obtained through the Aurora Housing Authority.

Visit their website for more information and to apply.

I don’t have a state-issued ID or other identifying documents. Where can I get assistance with these

You can receive help obtaining state-issued IDs and other documents at Hesed House’s Comprehensive Resource Center, located across the street from the main Hesed House building at 680 S. River St. To start, you must schedule a meeting a case manager, please call (630) 897-2156.

I am facing eviction and possible homelessness. What resources are available to me?

If you are at risk of eviction, consider the Kane County Eviction Mediation Program, which provides resources and support for those facing eviction and possible homelessness.

 

I was just released from jail (incarceration) with no money and nowhere to go. What resources are available for me – reentry services?

The following agencies may assist you:

  • Wayside Cross Ministries: Offer reentry programs, housing assistance, and life skills training to help individuals in reentry.
    (630) 892-4239

  • Rita’s Ministry: Provides support services, including temporary shelter, guidance, and community connections.
    (630) 966-0252

I struggle with mental and/or physical health issues that have contributed to my homelessness or put me at risk of homelessness. Can the City of Aurora, IL help?

If you are dealing with mental or physical health challenges affecting your housing stability, contact AID at (630) 966-4000, which offers support and resources tailored towards individuals with disabilities.

I struggle with drug and/or alcohol dependency and want to get clean so that I can get into housing and support myself. Can the City of Aurora assist me?

Please refer to Mutual Ground at (630) 897-1003, to connect with an organization that may assist you with the housing process.

I am a survivor/victim of domestic and/or sexual violence and fear homelessness if I leave my situation? Can the City of Aurora, IL help?

If you are a survivor/victim of domestic and/or sexual violence and at risk of homelessness, contact Mutual Ground. They provide support, resources, and safe housing options for individuals experiencing DV, SA, and substance abuse.

  • Domestic Violence Hotline - (630) 897-0080

  • Sexual Violence Hotline - (630) 897-8383

  • If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or reach out the Aurora Police Department.

I am experiencing homeless and a victim of sex-trafficking and/or sexual exploitation. Can the City of Aurora, IL assist me?

If you are a victim of sex-trafficking and/or sexual exploitation please reach out immediately to Naomi’s House at (630) 480-1697.

  • You may also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-4673

  • Or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (for victims of sex trafficking at (888) 373-7888

  • If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or reach out the Aurora Police Department.

If you are not homeless or at risk of homelessness

What can I do to help address homelessness in Aurora, IL?

You can support Aurora’s efforts to address homelessness by volunteering or donating to our community partners:

  • Hesed House

  • Association for Individual Development (AID)

  • Mutual Ground

These organizations are the City’s subject matter experts on the local homelessness landscape and play a vital role in supporting those experiencing homelessness. Please see the “Donate” page linked here.

If I see an individual experiencing homelessness or a homeless encampment, how can I help?

If you see an individual in need, we ask that you notify the City’s Customer Service team via (630) 256-4636 or by submitting an Online Request at the link here, to ensure timely assistance is received.

Please be specific as you can detailing time, location, frequency you have seen the individual(s) or encampment, identifying characteristics, etc. Once request is reported to the City of Aurora, IL, the street outreach team members will be notified and will visit reported location to assess the need and provide support.

If the individual(s) are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

Does the City of Aurora, IL work or partner with community organizations to address homelessness that are not apart of the Kane Continuum of Care (CoC)?

The City of Aurora, IL is always willing to engage, in a trauma-informed partnership with residents and organizations intentional on addressing challenges facing our unsheltered population. Please reach out us at InnovationDiv@aurora.il.us and we will have a team member reach out to you.

I have an organization or group that would like to provide meals or clothing to the homeless. Do I need a permit for this?

In most cases, a permit is not required. However, we encourage you to contact Hesed House at (630) 897-2156 or the Association for Individual Development (AID) at (630) 966-4000. As our subject matter experts in street outreach for those experiencing homelessness, they can provide guidance and assistance to ensure your efforts are as impactful as possible.

I am interested in becoming a landlord who accepts housing vouchers. Where can I find assistance and contribute?

The City of Aurora, in collaboration with the Aurora Housing Authority and community partners, works to connect landlords with resources to support housing for unsheltered neighbors. If you’re interested in contributing, please email us at InnovationDiv@aurora.il.us, and a team member will reach out to assist you.

I would like to provide a temporary warming shelter for those experiencing homelessness during the winter season. Where can I find more information?

For winter 2024, the City of Aurora is partnering with Wesley United Methodist Church to host and operate a Temporary Warming
Shelter during freezing temperatures, and we are actively seeking volunteers to assist in this critical effort.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rev. Scott at (630) 896-1033.

For more details about the 2024 Temporary Warming Shelter, including an overview of volunteer roles and responsibilities, please visit our Temporary Warming Shelter page linked here.

About Us

Resources

Feeding the Homeless

Temporary Warming Shelter

Back to top