Clients requesting temporary financial assistance (rent, utilities, gas) must be experiencing an emergency or crisis and must meet income eligibility criteria.  Eligibility for the Food Pantry is based on total gross household income according to USDA guidelines. Please note that HCFS services are contingent on the availability of dollars and/or goods.  Eligibility criteria for each program or service may change from time to time depending upon grant requirements, funds available or changes in agency policies and procedures.  HCFS will post any changes in these areas and staff will advise applicants in a timely manner.

Clients must provide copies of the following documents for eligibility determination:

• Proof of income -- social security, last 2 pay stubs for everyone in the household
• ID and proof of Kendall County residency
• Receipts for mortgage payments, rent and/or lease agreements
• Most recent telephone, electricity, gas or water bills, bills for medical services, prescriptions or insurance premiums
• Proof of resources, e.g., checking and saving accounts statements or passbooks, child support payments, life insurance policies or tax statements for real estate

3. Once a family qualifies, how often can they receive a food allotment?

Families may receive a food allotment once a month per household as long as they remain income eligible. Families may also receive an additional emergency food distribution once every six months if needed.

Yes, a family needs to update household information and renew eligibility once each calendar year.

Diapers and other baby care items may be requested by qualifying families once each month during the monthly food distribution.

Yes, temporary financial assistance (e.g., utilities, rent, medical bill, prescriptions, burial costs) may be requested once every 6 months from the date of service depending upon income eligibility and the agency’s availability of funds.

The administrative office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday. HCFS is closed for service on the following days: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4^th July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

8.  Are there special services for children?

From time to time, depending upon the availability of dollars, HCFS may make available scholarships for summer day camps, provide back-to-school supplies, Christmas gifts or seasonal activities.  Please check our website for updates.