In an effort to aid students that are experiencing housing instability and food insecurity, Joliet Junior College designated a liaison to assist students.
Students in higher education are increasingly struggling to meet basic needs such as stable housing. We provide the most up-to-date state and local resources available to assist Joliet Junior College students facing homelessness or housing and food insecurity.
Homeless is defined as a student who does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes, but is not limited to, students who:
- Are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
- Are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
- Are living in emergency or transitional shelters;
- Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- Couch surfing; or
- Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
Within the State of Illinois, you can use the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) to apply on-line for healthcare, SNAP, cash assistance and the Medicare Savings programs.
You can also apply for healthcare and SNAP over the phone by calling the ABE Customer Call Center (800) 843-6154
- If you believe you may not be eligible for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for financial assistance to purchase private insurance through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. VisitHealthcare.gov
Find more information about programs offered through ABE
If you are at risk or experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, contact the Joliet Junior College Homeless Liaison:
Veronica Cabrera, Supportive Services Coordinator
Phone: (815) 280-2829 Email: vmascote@jjc.edu
If you know someone struggling, submit a Care Report