I-Plus

IPLUS (Independent Positive Living Under Supervision) is an organization that helps provide housing for homeless Lake County, Illinois residents. I-PLUS clients have a long history of chronic homelessness due to mental illness, drug/alcohol addiction, family dysfunction, violence, and/or unemployment. Clients are referred to I-PLUS through many sources including the Veterans Administration Hospital and the Lake County Court. Clients are also referred through local service agencies such as PADS (Public Action Delivers Shelter) Crisis Services, Catholic Charities, and the Center for Independent Living. Each client’s monthly benefit check is deposited into their own local bank account, managed by I-PLUS. Working with local landlords, I-PLUS arranges housing, pays rent, pays utilities, and pays other fixed costs directly to the providers directly from the client’s bank account. Clients receive a weekly allowance checks for food, clothing, and other expenses. This check must be picked up at the I-PLUS office. In order for a client to receive their check, they may be required to attend an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting, a NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting, receive one-on-one counseling, and/or receive other support. I-PLUS helps each client repair their life and work toward independent living.