Ottawa
Ask about Ottawa
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Ottawa and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Ottawa
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office · State office
Illinois Department of Human Services Family Community Resource Center
1560 1st Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- State benefits applicationsVisit the center for help applying for state benefits and support programs.Apply online
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.il.us
Housing authority · Regional office
Housing Authority for LaSalle County
526 E Norris Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Public housingAsk about affordable public housing and housing applications in the Ottawa area.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on halc.org
Utilities · City office
City of Ottawa Water Billing
828 E Norris Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Water and sewer billsGet help with your city water or sewer bill and payment options.Apply online
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofottawa.org
Local office · Nonprofit
211 Illinois
Help here
- Help finding local servicesCall 211 any time to get connected with local help for housing, food, utilities, health care, and other needs.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on 211illinois.org
Local office · City office
Ottawa City Hall
301 W Madison St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- City services and informationContact City Hall for help finding city departments and services.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofottawa.org
Jobs and training · State office
Illinois Department of Employment Security, Ottawa
1550 First Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Unemployment and job servicesGet in-person help with unemployment insurance and job search services.Apply online
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on apps.illinoisworknet.com
Library · Regional office
Reddick Public Library District
1010 Canal St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card, borrow books, use computers, or ask about library programs.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on reddicklibrary.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Ottawa
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
River Bend Food Bank
4010 Kimmel Drive, Davenport, IA 52802
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Tri County Opportunities Council
405 Emmons Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071-0610
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of LaSalle County
Ottawa is in LaSalle County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
LaSalle County General Assistance
707 E Etna Road, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- General assistanceContact the county to ask about general assistance for residents in need.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on lasallecountyil.gov
State office · State office
Illinois Department of Human Services Family Community Resource Center, Grundy and LaSalle Counties
1560 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Benefits applicationsResidents can apply for food, cash, medical, and child care assistance through this office.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.il.us
Housing authority · Regional office
Housing Authority of LaSalle County
526 E Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Public housing and rental assistanceAsk the housing authority about applying for public housing or rental assistance.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on halc.org
Public health · County office
LaSalle County Health Department
717 E Etna Road, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Public health servicesThe health department provides personal and environmental health services to county residents.
- WICWIC helps eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children get food and nutrition support.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on lasallecountyil.gov
Courts and legal help · Regional office
LaSalle County Legal Self-Help Center
119 W Madison Street, Room 201, Ottawa, IL 61350
Help here
- Court self-helpThe center provides legal information, court forms, and referrals for people handling common legal problems.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on illinoiscourts.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging
729 34th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201
Help here
- Aging and caregiver informationGet information and referrals for services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on wiaaa.org
Illinois programs by kind of help
These are run by Illinois and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 211 Illinois
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988