The Illinois Department of Human Services, located next to Rural King at 1107 West DeYoung Street, accepts applications for Illinois food assistance and (also called Link, a plastic “debit” card which has taken the place of paper food stamps) and medical assistance (Medicaid).
The hours are 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the phone number is (618) 997-6591.
There is an online food assistance calculator that will help you determine if your family is eligible for a Link card before you go into the office. An application can also printed from this site, filled out then turned in at the local office for determination.
Energy Assistance
Crosswalk Community Action Agency offers Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In Marion, applications are accepted at the unemployment office – or Illinois Department of Employment Security, located at 8195 Express Drive in front of the Williamson County Airport. Applications appointments must be made in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. And 12:30 and 2:15 p.m..
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army headquarters in Marion offers limited financial assistance and food assistance to individuals and families. The Salvation Army office is located on the Tower Square in Marion, near the Marion City Hall. The phone number is (618) 993-5854. Hours they receive applications for assistance are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
The Community of Christ church, located at 100 East DeYoung in Marion, offers furniture to families in need. The phone number is (618) 993-8505
Infant needs, pregnancy assistance
The Shawnee Crisis Pregnancy Center, located at 1200 East DeYoung in Marion offers free and confidential pregnancy tests, maternity and baby clothes, diapers, baby equipment (car seats, cribs, etc.), baby formula and other assistance. The phone number is (618) 997-2790.
The Women/Infants/Children (WIC) program is located at the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, 105 Express Drive in Marion next to the Williamson County Airport. WIC offers pregnant women and families with young children nutrition and food assistance. Participation is based upon income and household size. With WIC coupons, families can receive milk, juice, eggs, cheese, baby formula and baby cereal.
Marion Ministerial Alliance
The Marion Ministerial Alliance, located at 103 East Calvert in Marion has a soup kitchen serving hot meals Monday through Friday (11:30-12:30) as well as a food pantry, clothing closet, and limited financial assistance. The phone number is (618) 993-8419.
Angel Food Ministries/Shepherd’s Closet
Located behind Larry’s House of Cakes on South Court Street, The Shepherd’s Closet offers a food pantry and a thrift store (with great prices). The phone number is 993-8694. It is run by the First Apostolic Church
Shelter
The Lighthouse Shelter is located at 1101 North Madison Street in Marion (behind Dairy Queen). They offer short-term housing and assistance to homeless individuals and families. The phone number is (618) 993-8180.
Other
Warm Hearts Ministry is a family-run ministry that offers winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves and socks to anyone who asks. The email to reach this ministry is [email protected] .
