COVID HELP (Housing and Economic Loss Prevention) is a statewide initiative to provide no-cost legal guidance and representation to Illinoisans experiencing common legal problems both due to the COVID-19 pandemic and not directly related to crisis. Many legal problems are not simple and with the law changing often, people need to up-to-date information. Illinois residents can access free legal assistance 24/7 at www.covidhelpillinois.org. COVID HELP’s virtual legal assistants provide users with accurate and reliable legal information, direct them to appropriate legal resources, and connect them with legal aid programs in their area. COVID HELP’s virtual legal assistants were created by legal aid attorneys to address the most common issues Illinoisans have faced during the pandemic: -Personal debt and bankruptcy -Housing (landlord/tenant, eviction, and foreclosure) -Employment -Unemployment -Wills, estates, and guardianship

Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low income persons and those over 60 who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them. -------------------------- The Victims Legal Advice line may be able to address the following areas for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault: -Questions related to housing safety, the Safe Homes Act, breaking a lease -Questions concerning emergency protective orders -Advice for victims who fled to Illinois with their children from another state. -Questions about visitation rights for abusers. -Questions about victims’ rights within the criminal court process -Questions about special protections for victims abused by fellow students. -Advice concerning legal options for victims of sexual assault or stalking

Peoria county Legal Self-Help Center/Law Library offers general legal aid.

The IL Pride Connect Legal Hotline offers free, confidential legal advice and referrals across Illinois for LGBTQIA+ individuals (or concerned family members or friends) who are facing legal issues that impact their health, safety, or access to care. Assistance can include legal issues related to- *Access to health care, including gender-affirming care *Discrimination or harassment *Public benefits like Medicaid or SNAP *Identity documents *Housing or safety concerns *Other legal issues impacting your well-being You'll speak with a trained advocate who can offer one-time advice or refer you to trusted legal partners.

The Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN) provides civil legal services across Illinois for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Common areas of legal assistance include discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and civil legal problems like Family, Housing, and Consumer issues.