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Resident COVID-19 Resources

See below for a list of resources aimed at helping residents cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. To ask questions or voice your concerns, please email COVID19inquiry@TinleyPark.org.
ComEd, Nicor offering assistance programs 

ComEd and Nicor Gas are offering several programs to assist residents in need.

ComEd options
ComEd is offering its Helping Hand program to assist customers who are most in need while recovering from economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides eligible customers a one-time grant of as much as $300 toward a past-due balance. The program is available until funds are exhausted. To be eligible, residents must have a combined household income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income for all household members, before taxes are deducted) at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. In addition, one of the following concerns must be expressed:

  • Unexpected loss of income or reduction in income (including job loss or furlough)
  • Sudden illness to you or a family member
  • Other stated COVID-19 impacts

To apply for the one-time bill assistance, call (800) 334-7661 and mention the Helping Hand program. Learn more on the ComEd website.

Nicor Gas options
Nicor Gas is offering extended payment options and providing energy-saving measures to help customers and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit Nicor's website for information on LIHEAP Energy Assistance Funding, extended payment arrangements, the Energy Aide Program, energy assistance resources, free weatherization, credit counseling assistance and more.

CEDA offering utility assistance 
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) has programs to assist eligible residents with paying utility bills. CEDA offers support through the following programs and online applications:

For more information, please contact CEDA’s call center at (800) 571-2332.

How to Make Your Own Face Covering
Residents can make their own face coverings using materials around the house, provided these homemade masks cover the nose and mouth. Providence Life Services in Tinley Park has provided a step-by-step guide to creating your own cloth mask. Similarly, Good Morning America recently posted a clip showing how to make a simple mask using a bandanna and two rubber bands.

Face Coverings

IDPH offering COVID-19 text message program
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has started an informational text message program for COVID-19 information. To opt-in:

  • Text the word COVID to (312) 500-3836.
  • You will receive a welcome message from IDPH, and a second text letting you know you will receive updates about COVID-19 in Illinois.
  • You will also receive a link to the IDPH Frequently Ask Questions page.
  • You will receive COVID-19 texting twice a day: once in the morning, and once in the evening.
  • You can opt-out of receiving messages at any time by texting STOP to reply.

Find out more on the IDPH website.

Assistance with Utilities
Several utility companies are offering assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. See the below links for more information.

Beware of ComEd scams
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, ComEd has received reports of scammers, posing as utility representatives, approaching customers who may be self-isolating or having difficulty paying their bills. These imposters threaten to shut service off or offer cash or credit incentives to obtain a customer’s personal or financial information. In some cases, scammers will “spoof” ComEd’s name and phone number so that a call appears to be from ComEd. They may demand a customer to make a direct payment with a prepaid cash card. In other instances, scammers ask victims to call them back at a different phone number and provide personal information. They may duplicate the recorded message that customers hear when calling a legitimate company, so when customers call the number provided by the scammer, it sounds like an actual business. Find out more at (800) 334-7661 or ComEd.com/ScamAlert.

United Way Fund
United Way has a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund that can help with bills, rent and food. Residents can call (866) 211-9966 and provide their zip codes for a list of local agencies that provide assistance.

Library offering digital-only cards
Tinley Park Public Library is offering digital-only cards to anyone living in the 60477 and 60487 area codes. For 90 days after signup, residents will have access to all the downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows and music their eyes can digest. Find out more at tplibrary.org/digital-card, or sign up for the actual card at SwanLibaries.net.

Help Protect Village Sanitary Sewers
The Public Works Department would like to remind residents that only certain items should be flushed down the toilet. While toilet paper is perfectly flushable, other paper products and wipes should be thrown away with regular garbage, as they can cause sanitary sewer backups in the resident and/or Village sewer lines. Residents with questions can call the Public Works Department at (708) 444-5500.

COVID-19 Testing Scam
The Village has received rumors of individuals going door-to-door claiming they can test residents for COVID-19. The Tinley Park Police Department has not received any calls regarding this matter; however, there is no such testing. Testing kits are limited, and only those who show symptoms are being tested. No testing is done door to door. Please call the Tinley Park Police Department immediately at (708) 444-5300 if this occurs.

Together We Cope
Residents looking for food or other supplies can call Together We Cope at (708) 633-5040 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. A receptionist will ask for your name, phone number, the size of your family, your address and which type of help you need. Volunteers and staff will distribute pre-packed bags outside the building, similar to curbside pickup. Visit Together We Cope’s website if you’d like to help by making a cash donation.

Additional Resources