A logo that says `` we help '' with a heart in the middle.

The Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network was founded to offer emergency assistance to clients who find themselves in a difficult situation.

A sign that says providing vital assistance to neighbors in need
Get Help icon: rent assistance
Get Help icon: utilities assistance
Get Help icon: food pantry assistance
Get Help icon: car repair assistance
Get Help icon: dental assistance
Get Help icon: prescription assistance
Get Help icon: referrals assistance

The Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network mission is to offer emergency assistance to clients who find themselves in a difficult situation.

  • Rental/mortgage assistance
  • Electric, gas or water bills
  • Access to the Immaculate Conception Church food pantry 
  • Car repair 
  • Dental assistance through partnering dentists
  • Prescription help (through Lombard Pharmacy)
  • Gasoline vouchers for assistance getting to work, a job interview, or doctor’s appointment
  • Adult shoes; children’s shoes are available through school social workers and the Bethel Shoe Program
  • Financial "check ups" and budgeting assistance (first Monday & third Thursday of the month, at EWAN site)

We do more than give assistance. We give support.
Read the transcript

Who do we serve?

If you have been a resident of Elmhurst for at least 90 days, have children in an Elmhurst school, or belong to a covenant church in Elmhurst, you are are eligible for assistance.
  • We do not help with security deposits, cable bills, insurance, or shut-off fees.
  • ​Clients are never given cash or checks. All assistance goes directly to the service partner. No cash is kept on the premises.
  • We have access to a wide variety of resources in DuPage County. If you have questions about where else in the county you can go to get assistance, we can help you identify agencies.

Additional Programs:

  • Hope Fund

    The Hope Fund was created to address particularly difficult or unusual situations clients might encounter. Site volunteers who feel a client may be a candidate will refer him or her to the Hope Fund Committee for review. If accepted, the client may receive funds that exceed the normal guidelines for either amount allowed or nature of the assistance offered.

  • School Snack Program

    When food security is an issue for families, students may find themselves hungry at some point in the school day. EWAN works with school social workers and our local food pantries to make healthy snacks available to any student on free or reduced lunch.

  • Students with Activity Needs Program

    EWAN recognizes the importance of student involvement in activities beyond the classroom. The Student with Activity Needs Fund (SWAN) works to ensure there’s no financial barrier to students participating in activities that may benefit them socially, physically or academically.  Fund requests are made through the school social workers. 

  • Dental Assistance Program

    The following dentists participate in our dental program by donating time and/or services to our clients:

    •         Dr. Daniel DeSalvo
    •         Dr. Gene Leonord
    •         Dr. Thomas McKenna
    •         Dr. Thomas Newman, Jr.
    •         Dr. Stavroula Spyropoulos
    •         Dr. Brian Reardon
    •         Dr. Kevin Kopp
    •         Dr. Douglas Kay
    •         Cottage Hill Dental Care


What to expect

  • Visit the site between 10:00 am - noon, Monday-Friday. First time clients should try to arrive by 11:00 am to allow enough time for the registration interview.
  • You will be asked to identify all members of your household by name and age.
  • You will be asked to disclose all sources of income.
  • A copy will be made of your driver’s license or state ID.
  • If you meet our assistance guidelines, you are immediately eligible for help
  • You can expect all communication with EWAN will be confidential


What to bring

  • Driver’s license or other picture ID (must be presented on each visit)
  • First-time visitors must provide two proofs of 90 day residency in Elmhurst. For example:
  • utility bill
  • lease
  • piece of mail
  • If you are not an Elmhurst resident but are a member of an Elmhurst church, please bring a letter from the pastor confirming your church membership.
  • If you’re not an Elmhurst resident but have a child in an Elmhurst school, please bring a report card or a letter from your child’s school social worker.
  • If you are seeking rental assistance you must have a signed copy of your current lease.
  • If you are seeking help with a utility bill, you must provide the bill.
  • For car repair or a gas voucher, you will need to provide a current driver’s license and proof of valid insurance.

Explore More Resources:

Need additional assistance? We work with others who can help. We have referral sources for:

For the most current and comprehensive list of all agencies and local resources,

consult the DuPage County website: 211DuPage.gov.