The Education Justice Project will distribute direct emergency relief funds, up to $500 each, to approved applicants who are released from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) in need of financial support during difficult times. Our mission is to provide an expedited emergency funding process that will address the needs of people on their post-release reentry journey from IDOC. We aim to remove reentry obstacles for individuals coming home by establishing a restorative approach to providing direct monetary assistance.
Requirements:
- Must have been released from IDOC
- Take the Emergency EJP Relief Fund 10-question survey upon receiving funds
- Provide photo and/or written comment about how the funds provided support
- Individuals who are not almuni of EJP are requested to apply within 6 months of release from IDOC custody
FAQs
What sorts of things qualify as emergency needs? What sorts of things can I apply for funding for?
Medication, hospitalization, medical treatment, rent/mortgage, utilities (gas, light, phone), car repairs, groceries and the like.
Do I have to pay back the money?
No. However, our goal is to keep this fund available for future individuals in need. This fund would appreciate donations of any size from you if you are a beneficiary of this funding support.
Who is eligible to apply?
ALL people released from IDOC custody are eligible for the emergency funding. Preference to first time applicants.
How will recipients be determined?
Applications will be evaluated by a committee comprised of EJP alumni based on four factors:
1. Extent to which the applicant needs relief (Applications will be rated according to a four-point rubric).
2. Whether the applicant has received previous emergency relief funds.
3. The amount of money an applicant requests.
4. Fund availability
How do I apply?
An application will be sent upon referral or inquiry to the person in need through email. The completed application form will automatically be sent to EJP Emergency Fund Administrators for review and approval. The funds, if approved will then be sent to the applicant via courier check or electronically.
Is there a deadline to apply?
There is no deadline for EJP alumni applicants. For individuals who are not EJP alumni, the deadline is 6 months after release from IDOC custody. For all, awarding of relief funds depends on fund availability.
How frequently will relief funds be given out?
Funds will be given out based on a “needs rubric” until they are depleted. It is highly encouraged that applicants who are beneficiaries of funding donate to the fund if/when possible to keep this available for other people in need who apply in the future.
Any additional inquiries can be made by emailing, calling or texting
Orlando “Chilly” Mayorga: o.mayorga2017@gmail.com/ 1-708-710-5962
Eric Nava: ericknll2013@gmail.com