Makanda Township
If you would like to inquire about or apply for General or Emergency Assistance, call 618-351-8161 or email supermakanda@hotmail.com.
Assistance from other agencies may be available depending on criteria. Some of them are listed below.
Food
Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefit formerly known as food stamps) at Illinois Department of Human Services https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=33698
Good Samaritan Ministries offers a food pantry. Call (618) 457-5794 for details.
University Baptist Church offers a food pantry at 700 South Oakland Street, Carbondale, IL. Call 618-457-0323 for details.
Victory Dream Center offers a food pantry at 607 East College Street, Carbondale, IL. Call (618) 351-8018 for details.
Rent or Mortgage
Apply for assistance with rent at Illinois Housing Development Authority https://www.ihda.org/about-ihda/illinois-rental-payment-program/
Apply for assistance with mortgage at Illinois Housing Development Authority https://www.ihda.org/haf/
Emergency housing assistance due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19 https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/
Medical
Apply for a medical card at Illinois Department of Human Services https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=33698
Mental Health
Mental health intake (at no/reduced fee with a medical card) is available at Centerstone, 2311 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL. Call 877-467-3123 for an initial appointment.
Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Apply for assistance with energy bills in the autumn of each year at Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council www.weeoc.org or call 618-965-3458.
Clothing
University Baptist Church offers a clothes closet at 700 South Oakland Avenue, Carbondale, IL. Call 618-457-0323 for details.
Free phone
A free smartphone and service is offered at www.assurancewireless.com.
Discounted internet service
The Affordable Connectivity Program is now in place through the FCC. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households obtaining service through participating providers. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Details and links to sign up at https://www.fcc.gov/acp
Free smoke alarms
Free smoke alarms can be requested at Fire Station #1, 5420 Old US Highway 51, Carbondale or call 618-549-0213. The volunteer firefighters will install the smoke alarms. You can also contact Debbie Stanley at 618-521-1454.