Kankakee County Residents Face Changes to LIHEAP and Weatherization Services
Kankakee County residents who rely on energy assistance, rental assistance, furnace assistance, and home weatherization services may soon see changes in how they access those programs.
Kankakee County Community Services, Inc. (KCCSI) has lost its funding to provide weatherization and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) services, resulting in layoffs among its employees. The funding for Kankakee County has been awarded to the Center for Community Concerns, a nonprofit organization based in Will County that will serve as the new regional provider for the county.
An InSight News Reader staff member contacted the Center for Community Concerns to learn more about how the transition will affect Kankakee County residents.
According to a representative from Will County, employees from the Center for Community Concerns are expected to travel to Kankakee County to provide services to residents who are unable to leave their homes.
The representative also confirmed that the organization will continue offering several services to eligible residents, including: Utility bill assistance, rental assistance, furnace assistance and home weatherization.
However, details concerning the transition are still being finalized. At the time of this report, the Center for Community Concerns stated that there is no final information available regarding all aspects of the new service structure and how residents will access the programs.
Residents have also been informed that the new regional provider is planning to establish a new building in Kankakee County.
Meanwhile, the executive director of KCCSI has informed residents that the existing Kankakee location is not closing.
The distinction between the existing KCCSI location and the new regional provider’s planned location may be important for residents as the transition moves forward.
Residents of Kankakee County may be required to apply through the Center for Community Concerns in Will County beginning October 1, 2026, depending on how the transition is finalized.
Because the new regional provider is still working through the details of the transition, residents are encouraged to obtain updated information before submitting applications or making plans based on the new process.
The Center for Community Concerns can be reached at 815-722-0722..
