The Walk-In Ministry of Hope is open from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6:30 - 8:15 p.m. Monday evening. See the How To Find Us page for directions.

If you would like to receive financial assistance in the form of vouchers from the Walk-In Ministry of Hope, you must be able to show evidence that you live in Downers Grove, Darien, Lisle, Westmont, Willowbrook, or Woodridge. If you do not live in one of these towns, we can still help you through referrals and partnerships, but we cannot give you vouchers.

Visit our Partners in Ministry page to learn about organizations that we work with.

What are the rules for becoming a WIMOH client?

What kinds of monetary assistance do we provide?

What other goods and services are available?

WIMOH Vouchers and Passes

• Jewel gift certificates (food vouchers)

• Aldi gift certificates (food vouchers)
• Speedway gas vouchers
• Bus passes
• Train passes (one way tickets between Downers Grove and Chicago or Aurora)
• Prescription drug assistance (some over the counter medication as well) – Douglas-Main Pharmacy
• Emergency motel stays (very limited, depends on funding and referrals)
• Special needs

Non-Monetary Items

• Diapers
• Toiletry items (toothpaste, tooth brushes, lotion, soap, shampoo/conditioners)
• Clothing
• Winter clothing (coats, gloves, hats)
• Children’s books and toys
• Use of telephone and fax machine

Special Needs

• Bikes, depending on availability*
• Christmas and Easter gifts, depending on availability*
• School supplies, depending on availability*
• We have partnerships with many agencies that will take referrals from us for in order to help clients with special needs.

*Donated items depend on community and church organizations donations. For the last three years these items have been available.

Other Services

• We provide referrals for LensCrafters' Gift of Sight Program (free eye exams and glasses)
• WIMOH is an agent that enrolls clients in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP provides funds towards heating costs)
• WIMOH enrolls clients into non- profit health care program Access DuPage
• AllKids program enrollment agent (provides health and dental care for all needy children of IL)

Referral Information

• Pantry list
• Weekly local job list
• Area specific financial assistance lists
• Employment agency list
• Referrals to other agencies that can help with housing, healthcare, substance abuse, mental health concerns, etc.

Rules Governing Service

Voucher Assistance

Some voucher assistance can be obtained every 30 or 31 days to a maximum yearly amount depending on the client needs.

Example: Jane Doe first received vouchers on June 21, 2006. Her next available date for assistance would be July 21 (one month after the last date of service). Once the yearly limit has been met, her service year will begin again on June 21, 2007.

The WIMOH turns no one away. Even if we can not help with vouchers we have referrals and partnerships with agencies that may be able to provide assistance.

Client Identification

Clients must have an ID showing they live in one of six service areas (Downers Grove, Darien, Lisle, Westmont, Willowbrook, and Woodridge). If their ID shows an old address, a piece of mail with current address and ID (such as a utility bill) will suffice, or they can bring in a copy of their lease or mortgage statement. PADS clients must have a current PADS card.

Clients receiving gas vouchers must have a valid driver's license. WIMOH will accept a traffic ticket as long as it is not marked "suspended" or "expired."