Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Pope County General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Pope County)

Pope County government (General Assistance) + community organizations

Who it's for

Pope County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE — Pope County is one of Illinois's 17 COMMISSION (non-township) counties, so it has NO townships; instead General Assistance (GA) — emergency rent/utility/food relief for residents with little or no income — is administered at the COUNTY level by Pope County government (precinct form). (2) Egyptian Area Agency on Aging / the local senior center for case management, meals, and the Community Care Program (618-985-8311). (3) Shawnee Development Council for LIHEAP utility help and other Community Action supports (618-634-2201). (4) CHESI Pope County Clinic (Golconda) for sliding-fee medical, dental, and behavioral care, plus SIH Harrisburg Medical Center financial assistance for hospital bills. (5) Salvation Army / area churches / local food pantries. (6) Dial 211.

Pope: COMMISSION (non-township) county (12th) — General Assistance runs at the COUNTY level, not by townships (precinct form). Layered with Egyptian AAA, Shawnee Development Council LIHEAP, and 211.

What you'll need

Proof of Pope County residency
Proof of all household income
Photo identification
Documentation of the emergency need (eviction notice, shutoff notice, etc.)

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 211

Renewals

as-needed

Official source →Last verified · June 14, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.