Student Housing and Basic Needs Assistance
The HOUSE Liaison helps ECC students who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and students who are or were in foster care ("students in care"). The Liaison listens without judgment and connects you to campus and community resources — but it's important to know what this role can and can't do.
The HOUSE Liaison can:
- Talk with you privately about your situation, no matter how big or small it feels
- Help you understand your options for financial aid, including independent student status
- Connect you with housing, food, and other community resources
- Stay in touch with you as things change
The HOUSE Liaison cannot:
- Provide on-campus housing — ECC does not have student housing
- Provide emergency or temporary housing
- Provide emergency rental assistance or emergency funds
What "homelessness" means, in plain terms: You don't have a fixed, regular, adequate place to sleep at night, or you're at risk of losing that. This includes staying temporarily with friends or family because you have nowhere else to go, staying in a shelter, motel, or car, or facing an imminent loss of housing. You do not need to "prove" this before reaching out — if you're not sure whether your situation counts, that's exactly what the Liaison can help you figure out.
The Laws Behind the Support
You don't need to know these laws to get help - this is just the reason ECC has a HOUSE Liaison.
Illinois HOUSE Liaison Act Illinois Public Act 102-0083 requires every Illinois college and university to designate a HOUSE (Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students' Excellence) Liaison. This law requires ECC to identify and support students experiencing homelessness and students in care, help them access financial aid, track their outcomes, and train ECC staff to recognize and refer students appropriately. ECC reports on this work to the Illinois Community College Board each year.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act This is a federal law that defines homelessness for students, and it's the same definition the Illinois HOUSE Act uses. It covers students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence — including those sharing housing due to loss of a home, living in motels/shelters/cars, or facing similar instability. While McKinney-Vento is most often associated with K-12 students, its definition of homelessness carries over into how ECC and the FAFSA determine eligibility for support as a college student.
Get Help
Contact the HOUSE Liaison whenever you're ready - before things become urgent, in the middle of a crisis, or just to ask a question. You decide how much or how little to share. Here's what happens:
- You must reach out. By phone, email, or in person - whatever's easiest. You decide how much to share at first.
- You talk, privately. A private conversation about your situation. There's no "right" way to ask for help.
- You get connected. To campus offices like Financial Aid and community organizations that match your needs.
- Your info stays private. Shared only with people who need to know to help you - never with instructors or family without your consent.
Contact the HOUSE Liaison by emailing eccsupportsyou@elgin.edu.
Resources
Benefits Navigator for Basic Needs Support
If you're struggling to meet your basic needs, you don't have to navigate available resources alone. The ECC HOUSE Liaison can connect you with community partners, including the ECC Benefits Navigator, who can help you identify programs and services you may qualify for.
Food Assistance
- Spartan Pantry: Free food and basic necessities for ECC students. Located in Building B, Room B175.
- Salvation Army of Elgin: Food and basic needs pantries. For more information, call 847-741-2304.
Financial Assistance
- Salvation Army of Elgin: Offers one-time utility or rent assistance for eligible individuals. For more information, call 847-741-2304.
- Elgin Township: Emergency financial assistance for qualifying township residents experiencing hardships, call 847-741-2045.
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Utility assistance for eligible households. Visit your local Local Administering Agencies to find your local representative.
- Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG): provides a variety of financial assistance for qualifying individuals. Go to Local Administering Agencies to find your local representative.
Child Care
- ECC's Early Childhood Lab School: Full- and part-time early learning and preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Financial aid and Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) subsidies are accepted.
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Helps eligible families pay for child care for children up to age 13. Apply through GetChildCareIL.org.
- Two Rivers Head Start Agency: Early childhood education and family support services, including child care assistance, emergency assistance, and other community resources for eligible Kane County families.
Medical & Public Benefits
- Greater Family Health Benefit Specialists: Assistance applying for health coverage and other public benefits. Call 844-599-3700 and dial extension 2102.
- Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE): Determine whether you are eligible for public benefits, including SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid.
Need Help Getting Started?
Contact the ECC Benefits Navigator for guidance and referrals, or email email eccsupportsyou@elgin.edu
ECC does not provide on-campus housing or emergency housing assistance. However, the HOUSE Liaison can connect students with community organizations that offer emergency shelter, housing support, and affordable housing resources.
Shelter Resources
- PADS of Elgin: A community-based organization providing homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, supportive services, and connections to housing resources for individuals and families experiencing housing instability.
- Community Crisis Center of Elgin: Provides 24/7 crisis support, emergency assistance, and resources for individuals experiencing a crisis, including domestic violence and safety concerns.
- Lazarus House (St. Charles): Provides emergency shelter, case management, and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping to connect them with resources to achieve stability and permanent housing.
- Youth 360: Provides support and resources for youth and young adults, including assistance with basic needs, housing stability, education, and connections to community services.
Affordable & Subsidized Housing Resources
- Illinois Housing Search: A free online tool to find affordable and accessible rental housing throughout Illinois.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): A federal program that helps eligible individuals and families afford rental housing through rental assistance. Eligibility requirements and waitlists may apply.
Additional Housing Resources
- Community Resource Guide: Explore local housing and supportive service providers.
- FindHelp.org: Search for free and low-cost housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other community resources by ZIP code.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you are uncertain about where to start, the ECC HOUSE Liaison can assist you in connecting with the resources that are most suitable for your situation. Please email us at eccsupportsyou@elgin.edu.
ECC Wellness Services provides free, confidential mental health and wellness support for currently enrolled students. Services include:
- Short-term counseling
- Crisis support
- Wellness education
- Referrals to community resources
- Programs that promote emotional well-being and student success
Additional Resources:
- ECC Wellness Services: Visit the ECC Wellness Services website for information about counseling, wellness programs, and student support services.
- Community Resource Guide: View our comprehensive list of community resources.
- FindHelp.org: Search for free and low-cost services in your local community, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and more.
Paying for college can be challenging, but ECC's Financial Aid Office can help you explore options to make your education more affordable. Staff can assist with financial aid applications, scholarships, grants, loans, and other funding opportunities.
The Financial Aid Office also assists students (up to age 24) with the Homeless Determination process for financial aid purposes. If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, staff can help determine your eligibility for independent student status and connect you with additional resources.
For more information about eligibility, deadlines, and available resources, visit the Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Need Help?
Contact the ECC Financial Aid Office for assistance with financial aid, scholarships, and the application process.
Building B, Room B156
847-214-7360
Fax: 847-608-5460
financialaid@elgin.edu
ECC offers career support through Career Development Services and Workforce Development, with each office providing different resources to help students reach their goals.
Career Development Services
Career Services helps students with career exploration, job preparation, and the transition from college to the workforce.
Support includes:
- Career exploration and planning
- Résumé and cover letter assistance
- Interview preparation
- Job and internship resources
- Career assessments and guidance
Visit the Career Development Services to explore available resources.
Contact
Career Development Services
Building B, Room B120
847-214-7390
careerservices@elgin.edu
Workforce Development
Workforce Development provides grant-funded programs and resources to help students gain skills, access training for high-demand careers, and connect with employment opportunities.
Services may include:
- Career and training guidance
- Workforce program referrals
- Job search assistance
- Support accessing funding for eligible tuition, books, supplies, and training costs
Visit the Workforce Development to explore available programs and resources.
Contact
Workforce Development
workforce@elgin.edu
847-214-7420
Support doesn't stop at housing and basic needs—staying on track academically is just as important. ECC offers a variety of services to help you succeed inside and outside the classroom, including:
- Tutoring: Free academic support for a wide range of courses.
- The Write Place: Assistance with writing assignments at any stage of the writing process.
- Success Coaching: One-on-one guidance to help you build academic skills, set goals, and stay on track.
- Student Access & Disability Services: Accommodations and support to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
- Career Development Services: Career exploration, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, job and internship resources, and career planning support.
Specialized Student Support Resources
Explore resources and services designed to support students with unique experiences and needs, including veterans, undocumented students, and students with DCFS/foster care backgrounds.
Veterans
Veterans may qualify for additional education benefits, dedicated support, and campus and community resources through ECC's Veterans Services.
Undocumented Students
Undocumented Student Liaisons provide personalized support and connect students with campus and community resources for success.
DCFS / Foster Care
Students currently or formerly in DCFS care can access dedicated support, resources, and guidance to help them succeed at ECC.
FAFSA Information
If you are experiencing homelessness and are not in the care of a parent or guardian, you may qualify as an independent student on the FAFSA. This allows you to complete the FAFSA without providing a parent's financial information or signature.
When completing the FAFSA, you will be asked if you are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness and self-supporting. If you answer Yes, your status may be confirmed by:
- A high school or school district McKinney-Vento liaison
- The director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program
- The director of a runaway or homeless youth program
- ECC's Financial Aid Office, if no other determination is available
If you have already received a homeless determination from a previous school or prior FAFSA award year, ECC will generally accept that determination unless your circumstances have changed. A new determination may be required each FAFSA award year.
Don't worry if you don't have documentation. ECC's Financial Aid Office and the HOUSE Liaison are available to help you through the determination process and connect you with the support you need.
FAFSA Homelessness Questions
A step-by-step video guide for completing the FAFSA as an unaccompanied youth.
FAFSA Tips for Homeless Youth
Practical tips for unaccompanied homeless youth navigating the FAFSA process.
FAFSA Independence Guide
SchoolHouse Connection's guide to FAFSA independence for unaccompanied homeless youth.
Applying for Financial Aid
Step-by-step guide to applying for financial aid and exploring funding options at ECC.
Contact
HOUSE Liaison
Cynthia Carlson
847-214-7208
eccsupportsyou@elgin.edu