Independent Living Initiative (ILI)

In order to maximize the resources of the ILI program, applicants may only receive assistance once per fiscal year and will not be granted an extension on their original approval for assistance unless there are compelling circumstances. These funds are only for applicants who “if not for these funds will become homeless.” If the applicants have assets or other financial supports-such as help from friends or family they may be ineligible for the Independent Living Initiative Funds. In order to qualify for the program, applicants must be homeless, imminently homeless, or precariously housed. This program is also designed to house applicants who need initial move-in costs (security deposit, utility deposit, etc.) required by potential landlords. Alliance strongly encourages applicants to seek assistance through social service or other charitable agencies before seeking assistance through the ILI program.

Rent Payments

Rent payments must be issued directly to the landlord. The lease agreement must be in the name of the applicant seeking assistance or in the name of the parents/legal guardians if the applicants are children. Payments will not be issued to the landlord for damage or work order fees. Alliance is not responsible for any lost or stolen checks due to incorrect mailing addresses.

Monthly rental assistance amounts typically average around $500.00 for single households and $750.00 for family households. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and awarded assistance appropriate to the applicants’ needs and risk factors. Alliance requests that service providers only request the appropriate amount of needed assistance for applicants.

Security Deposits

Security deposits must be paid back to Alliance upon the termination of the lease. If any portion of the deposit cannot be refunded, the landlord will need to document in writing to Alliance applicable charges reducing the deposit amount.

If applicants have received a security deposit within the past year and Alliance has not received a refund for the security deposit, the applicants will be ineligible to receive assistance with a security deposit for the next 12 months.

The maximum security deposit amount is not to exceed the monthly rental amount. Exceptions to maximum security deposits can be made based on extenuating circumstances.

Utility Payments and/or Deposits

Utility payments must be issued directly to the identified vendor. Payments will not be issued to the landlord for excessive utility costs when the utilities are included in the monthly rental rate.

Utility assistance amounts typically average around $300.00. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and awarded assistance appropriate to the applicants’ needs. Alliance requests that service providers only request the appropriate amount of needed assistance for applicants and after all other charitable donations have been exhausted.