Community Resource Guide

For Dwight and Livingston County, Illinois residents

Help with food, rent, utilities, clothing, household items, and transportation. Updated September 6, 2026. Includes all Dwight food pantry locations identified in the reviewed local sources.

Best first call: Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. Illinois 211 is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Apply or request help online

Use these verified online forms and application portals. Programs without a published online form are labeled for phone or in-person contact below.

Apply for SNAP, cash or medical benefits Request LIHEAP utility help Submit a 211 help request Contact MCCA in Pontiac

Call before traveling. Hours, funding, service areas, and document requirements can change. Ask whether appointments are required and what proof to bring.

All needs

211 Illinois

Local referrals for food, shelter, rent, utility help, transportation, and other needs.

Call 211 · Text ZIP to 898211

Open online help form Search resources

RentUtilities

Mid Central Community Action

Serves Livingston County, including Dwight. Ask about LIHEAP/PIPP utility help, housing counseling, homelessness resources, and emergency rent or mortgage help when funding is available.

320 W. Madison St., Pontiac, IL 61764

815-844-1169 (utility help)
309-829-0691 (main office)

Open MCCA contact form

FoodRentUtilitiesClothing

Salvation Army 360 Life Center - Pontiac

Community food pantry, clothing and affordable home goods through the thrift store, plus possible rent or utility assistance for qualifying hardships.

112 N. Division St., Pontiac, IL 61764

815-844-5005

Program details and current hours

FoodDwight

Dwight Food Pantry

Hours: 4th Wednesday of each month, 1:00-2:00 PM.

Eligibility: Dwight residents. On the first visit, complete a form and show proof of residency.

116 S. Franklin St., Dwight, IL 60420

Information: 815-584-1830

Dwight Economic Alliance is listed as the information contact because a direct pantry phone number is not published.

Dwight resident resources

Food24/7Dwight

Dwight Micro Pantry

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Eligibility: Take food as needed. No application requirement is published.

109 W. Main St., Dwight, IL 60420
South of the Old Depot

Information: 815-584-1830

Dwight Economic Alliance: coordinator@dwightalliance.org. The pantry is donation-supported; non-perishable donations are accepted.

Dwight resident resources

Food bagsDwight

St. Peter's Lutheran Church Food Bags

Hours: First Monday of each month, unless the Monday is a holiday. Call for the holiday schedule and distribution time.

Eligibility: No eligibility restriction is published. Contact the program before visiting.

326 W. Chippewa St., Dwight, IL 60420

Program contact Chris: 303-638-2490
Church: 815-584-1199

Food bag listing · Church contact page

FoodCall firstDwight

Midwest Christian Food Pantry

Hours: A current distribution schedule is not published in the sources reviewed. Call before visiting.

Eligibility: The directory lists service for Dwight and Livingston County. Call to confirm current enrollment, availability, and documents required.

First Baptist Church, 401 N. Clinton St., Dwight, IL 60420

815-584-3182

Pantry directory listing

FoodClothing

St. Mary's Food Pantry

Food pantry with a clothing room. Call to confirm current hours and eligibility.

401 E. Water St., Pontiac, IL 61764

815-844-3663

Livingston County pantry listing

Food benefitsCash & medical

Illinois Department of Human Services

Apply for SNAP food benefits, cash assistance, and medical assistance online or by phone.

1-800-843-6154

Apply through ABE Illinois
Find a Livingston County service office

Utilities

Help Illinois Families / LIHEAP

State energy-bill assistance. For the 2026-27 program year, priority applications begin October 1, 2026; other income-eligible households begin November 1, 2026, subject to funding.

1-833-711-0374

Request LIHEAP services online
Read application instructions

Affordable housing

Livingston County Housing Authority

Contact the authority about public housing, rental assistance programs, and current waitlist status.

903 W. North St., Pontiac, IL 61764

815-844-6013

No verified online application form was found. Call 815-844-6013 to request current application information.
Housing authority information

Household itemsHousing

Habitat for Humanity of Livingston County

Local affordable-housing organization. Ask about homeownership or repair opportunities and whether household-item resources are currently available.

101 N. Mill St., Pontiac, IL 61764

815-796-4466

Local Habitat contact

Transportation

Livingston County Regional Planning Office

During the county's rural-transit transition, residents with immediate transportation needs, including medical appointments, can call for ride-assistance information.

815-844-7741

Ask for Monte Andrews.

County transportation notice

Veterans

Livingston County Veterans Assistance Commission

For eligible Livingston County veterans and families: temporary emergency help may include food, rent, utilities, and transportation to VA medical care.

110 W. Water St., Suite 3, Pontiac, IL 61764

815-844-7378

Veterans Assistance Commission

Before you call or apply

Have a photo ID and proof of Livingston County address ready.
For rent or utility help, gather the lease, current bill, shutoff/eviction notice, and proof of household income.
Ask whether funds are available today, who qualifies, and whether an appointment is needed.
If one program cannot help, ask for a referral and call 211.

Sources and update notes

This is a practical starting list, not a guarantee of eligibility or available funds. Transportation information reflects the Livingston County notice available when this guide was updated.