Financial Assistance Available for Illinois Families Affected by Severe Storms

Illinois families recovering from recent severe storms and tornadoes may be eligible for housing-related financial assistance through the Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation (IRRF).

Established to support Illinois residents affected by natural disasters, IRRF provides need-based grants of up to $500 per household to help cover housing-related expenses and unreimbursed losses caused by a disaster, including insurance deductibles and other home-related costs not covered by insurance.

Relief efforts are currently available for residents affected by several 2026 tornadoes, including storms in Coles, Effingham, Jefferson, LaSalle and McLean counties. Funding is limited, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The July 2026 Hazel Crest tornado relief fund has already been fully allocated and is no longer accepting applications.

For eligibility requirements, application deadlines and information on how to request assistance, visit the Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation website at the link here.

Application deadlines vary per county, with most coming in late mid to late September 2026.

About the Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.