DES PLAINES – The North West Housing Partnership in Schaumburg has been awarded $460,000 in grant funds to help area homeowners with repairs, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Monday.

“People are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 crisis, which makes home repairs all the more urgent,” said Murphy. “Especially during a time when many families don’t have much savings to fall back on, I’m glad to see that there is help available.”

The North West Housing Partnership, which serves the West and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, is one of 25 local governments and non-profit organizations in the state to receive funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board of Directors. The group awarded $11 million statewide through the state’s Single Family Rehabilitation Program. The lump sum is projected to help at least 326 low- and very low-income families with necessary home repairs.

The Single Family Rehabilitation Program provides forgivable loans of up to $45,000 per household to assist with necessary repairs to remove documented health and safety hazards. Eligible repairs include roofing, flooring and plumbing, among others.

A roof-only option is also available for people who do not need other repairs. Those recipients are offered up to $16,500 to militate against future roof damage.

“The North West Housing Partnership has already made a difference to so many families in our community. With these funds, they can keep up the good work and help even more households,” Murphy said. “If your home is in need of maintenance, I encourage you to apply.”

Households can apply for grants by contacting the North West Housing Partnership at 847-969-0561. The organization will walk residents through the application process and explain eligibility.

DES PLAINES – To help keep children safe from abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) encourages Illinoisans to become familiar with the warning signs of abuse and explore the resources available to protect children living in potentially violent households.

“School closures mean kids are spending much more time at home. For kids in abusive households, that spells danger,” said Murphy. “Even as we maintain social distancing, it’s important that we continue to look out for the children in our communities.”

Signs of child mistreatment include unexplained injuries and poor hygiene, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children suffering from abuse may also exhibit withdrawal from friends, changes in school performance, rebellious or aggressive behavior, and depression or anxiety.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected can call the Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 800-25-ABUSE (22873) to report the situation. All calls are confidential. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services offers guidance, programs and volunteer opportunities to enable Illinoisans to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in their neighborhoods. For more information or to take advantage of these resources, visit their website.

“Right now, many people are focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus, but we can’t let our children fall by the wayside,” said Murphy. “If you see a child in need of support, I urge you to speak up.”

DES PLAINES – The coronavirus outbreak and resulting social distancing measures have left many Illinoisans feeling anxious and isolated, which prompted State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to share important resources that may help individuals manage their mental health.

“The constant news cycle is enough to make a person feel overwhelmed. When you pair that with layoffs, school closures and separation from friends and loved ones, it’s no surprise this pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health,” said Murphy. “I want everyone to know there is help available.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and programs for those struggling with mental health. Northern Cook County residents can call 847-716-2252 and residents of the Northwest Suburbs can call 847-899-0195 to learn about available resources.

Murphy also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:
• Connecting with friends and family online,
• Keeping regular work hours and routines while at home,
• Preparing healthy meals,
• Exercising regularly, and
• Staying up to date with accurate information.

“Even though we have to be physically distant from friends and family, we can still stay connected,” Murphy said. “We may feel lonely, but we aren’t alone—we’re all in this together.”

Murphy’s staff is working remotely during the Stay at Home Order, but are still responding to calls and emails. She encourages those who need assistance with state services to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. Both resources are available 24/7.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide assistance to the many local restaurants and businesses who have closed their doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19, or the new coronavirus, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is sharing information that might help these establishments survive this difficult period.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many businesses shuttered and so many working Illinoisans struggling. It’s important that we stop the spread of coronavirus, but the resulting loss of business has been devastating to our communities,” said Murphy. “It’s vital that we offer them resources to provide some help during this uncertain and challenging time.”

Murphy encourages business owners to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Interested applicants can apply directly at sba.gov/disaster.

To further alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Murphy said the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants in Illinois. Find more information and check whether your business qualifies here.

“I’m also grateful for the State of Illinois for providing help to the working families who now find themselves without a paycheck by making unemployment benefits available to those who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Murphy. “It’s one way we can immediately help relieve some of the financial burdens on our middle class.”

Those without access to paid sick leave or who are unable to work because of COVID-19 can call the Illinois Department of Employment Security at 1-800-244-5631 to apply for these benefits. More information is available here. The department has hired additional staff and expanded business hours to handle an increased volume of calls. Callers may experience long wait times but are encouraged to stay on the call, even if they hear a busy line signal.

Murphy notes that although her office is closed, her staff is working remotely to answer questions and address concerns from constituents. She urges residents to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contactus.