About Us
Serving DuPage County
What is Families Helping Families of Illinois?
FHF’s mission is to move families in DuPage County experiencing homelessness to self-sufficiency. FHF assists our struggling neighbors by providing housing and other resources, and most importantly, by matching families with wonderful volunteer mentors, life-coaches who help guide families every step of the way on their journey.
We are so grateful to our donors and generous community for supporting this life-changing program. Please click the Donate Now button on this page to make a donation. Would you like to learn other ways to get involved? Please go to the Get Involved tab for more information.
35
Donation
Your donation of $35 pays for one day’s rent and utilities for a family in the FHF program.
245
Donation
Your donation of $245 supports a family for 1 week.
1,050
Donation
Your donation of $1,050 supports a family for one month.
Homelessness: Did You Know?
There is a common misconception that family homelessness is self-induced, or that somehow the family is to blame. When we get to know families facing homelessness, we discover that many times people are working as hard as they can and still cannot afford a place to live.
While the circumstances surrounding each family’s housing crisis differ, there is one universal truth: These are parents who care deeply about their children and who truly want to provide a better life for their family.
To achieve their goals, these families need people to believe in them, to give them opportunities, guidance and support, all provided with patience and empathy. This is where Families Helping Families excels.
Who are the Families?
Our adopted families are often moms and their children. who have been victims of domestic violence. Moms and dads struggle to provide housing, food, and clothing for their children. They want to become self-sufficient but lack the financial means to pay for rent and the education to obtain the kind of jobs that will allow them to provide for their families.
While the circumstances surrounding their housing crises differ, there is one universal truth — these parents are deeply concerned about their children and want to provide a better life for them.
Who is Eligible?
Families experiencing homelessness, apply to FHF through Bridge Communities. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program.
Housing and Eligibility Criteria:
- Be homeless or at-risk
- Have a work or residence connection to DuPage County
- Be an adult(s) over the age of 21 with one or more children under the age of 18
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Pass criminal background check
- Have a desire to work full time
- Have no active substance abuse issues or unaddressed mental health concerns
What Do They Receive?
FHF families live in apartments in DuPage County that our program provides. The average stay is two years with quarterly goals reviewed every three months.
We gather gently used furniture, bedding, and kitchen items — all the tools needed to start a new life. Then the real work begins— helping a family move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
The end goal of our program is for families to be self-sufficient and overcome the cycle of generational poverty and trauma.
What Services are Provided?
FHF matches every family with volunteer mentors. Teams also work with a case manager and other social service professionals from Bridge Communities. Mentors complete a training program to develop skills and insights for working with families who have experienced the trauma of homelessness.
Mentors and clients meet weekly to work on financial, educational, and life goals. A major focus is managing budgets and repaying debt.
Most importantly, mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support.
We Can Help Change Your Life & World
Meet Our Leadership Team
