Homewood and Cook County residents impacted by the recent EF-1 tornado are invited to attend a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Homewood Auditorium from Thursday, August 27 until Sunday, August 30. 

Representatives from numerous agencies will be available to connect residents with resources and assistance, including SNAP benefits for food loss, debris removal support, and other storm recovery needs. Team Rubicon will also be on-site to assist residents and take down contact information regarding debris removal. 

Location: 
Homewood Auditorium
2010 Chestnut Rd.
Homewood 

Thursday, August 27 & Friday, August 28: 
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 29 & Sunday, August 30:
10 a.m.–2 p.m.

If you or someone you know was impacted by the recent EF-1 tornado, please stop by and learn about the resources available to help with recovery.

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The SBA has opened a separate disaster-loan program for damage from the July 27, 2026 severe storms. This declaration directly includes Cook County. We will update if a disaster declaration becomes available for the August 11, 2026 tornado. 

Eligible homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 for damaged real estate and up to $100,000 for damaged personal property. Businesses and certain nonprofits can apply for up to $2 million for physical damage, and qualifying small businesses/nonprofits may also seek Economic Injury Disaster Loans. 

Deadlines: Property applications are due October 19, 2026; Economic hardship applications are due May 18, 2027. 

A Hazel Crest SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at 3601 W. 183rd St., Hazel Crest, opened Friday, August 21 and will remain open through Friday, September 4. SBA representatives can answer questions and help complete applications. 

Important Resources:

• For Life Safety and Critical Emergencies:  9-1-1 
• Homewood Police Non-Emergency 24/7: (708) 206-3420
• ComEd: 1-800-EDISON-1, www.ComEd.com
• Nicor Gas: 1-888-642-6748
• Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS
• Bloom Township: (708) 754-9400
• Rich Township: (708) 748-6722
• Thornton Township: (708) 596-6040
• Bremen Township: Contact them here >  https://brementownship.org/contact-us/ 
• Suburban Cook County Call Center: 1-877-426-6515
• Greater Chicago Food Depository: 1-773-247-3663
• Cook County EMRS: 211
• South Suburban PADS -(708) 332-7700 

Cook County Resources: 

Food Assistance: SNAP Food Loss Reimbursement

Current Illinois SNAP recipients are eligible for food loss reimbursement if they apply within 10 days of the loss (for example, food spoiled due to a power outage).

• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) – Replacing Destroyed Food: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=18623
• Find a local IDHS office: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12

Utility Bill & Energy Assistance: Residents struggling with utility bills after the storm — including those facing shutoff or needing help with repair-related costs — may qualify for help through Illinois' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and related crisis assistance.

• Illinois DCEO – Utility Bill Assistance (LIHEAP): dceo.illinois.gov – Utility Bill Assistance
• IDHS – LIHEAP Energy Assistance: dhs.state.il.us – LIHEAP

We know many Homewood residents are still facing repairs after the recent tornadoes, and the last thing we want is to make the recovery process more difficult. To help ease some of that burden, the Village of Homewood is waiving specific permit fees through September 30 for residents completing their own tornado-related home repairs.

If your fence or roof was damaged and you are repairing or replacing it yourself, the permit will be free through September 30. Residents repairing their own fence or roof must still complete the permit process and schedule a final inspection. You will not be charged for the permit. 

• If you hire a contractor to complete repairs, the contractor is responsible for completing the permit process and paying the applicable permit fee.
• You can apply for a permit online here: Click Here