Bank On Carbondale

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FAQ
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In this section, find answers to common questions about finances and a list of additional resources to help you access affordable health care, free tax preparation, and much more. If you don’t find your question below, or you need additional resources, please contact us.

ANSWERS TO COMMON FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?
I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?
I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?
I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?
I am a Mexican citizen and I don't have an Illinois driver's license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?
I am a Guatemalan citizen and I don't have an Illinois driver's license. How do I get a Guatemalan Consular ID?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Free Tax Preparation
Discounted Transportation Passes

Clothing Assistance
Shelters
Food Assistance
Childcare Advice, Help with Childcare Costs, and Family Support Services
Help with Your Career
Home Buying Assistance
Rental Assistance

A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?

A copy of your ChexSystems report can help you understand why you have been denied opening a bank account. If you have been denied in the past 60 days because of ChexSystems, you can access your report online. Otherwise you can write to ChexSystems, Inc. to send you your report. Click here to access your report.

I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?

You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Transunion, Experion, and Equifax) every year. You can request and view your report online. Click here to view your report.

The Federal Reserve Bank has published a pamphlet explaining your credit report, why your credit score is important, and how to use your report. Click here to view this tool.

I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?

The Federal Trade Commission provides an entire Web site about identity theft, including how to prevent identity theft and how to recover your identity if it has been stolen. Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site “Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.”

The Federal Reserve Bank has also published a guide on “How to Establish, Use, and Protect your Credit.” Click here to view the guide.

I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?

Shawnee Alliance for Seniors: Provides assistance through case management, community care programs, elder abuse & family caregiver services, an ombudsman program, and volunteer money management. Located at 6355 Brandhorst Drive in Carbondale. Their phone number is 618-985-8322.

I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?

For a free consultation with the Bankruptcy Clinic, P.C., call 888-522-6578 toll free or contact them online. They have offices in Carbondale, Marion, and Mt. Vernon, Illinois to better serve you. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?

You are not alone. Call the National Foreclosure Prevention Hotline: (888) 995-HOPE where your call will be answered by a homeownership counselor who can understand your situation and help with your next steps. You can also click here to visit their Web site.

I am a Mexican citizen and I don’t have an Illinois driver’s license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?

To apply for a Matricula card from the Chicago Mexican Consulate office, you must make an appointment with the Consulate, either at the Chicago office or during their visits to cities around Illinois. Click here to access their Web site and learn about eligibility requirements, make an appointment, or find out about any upcoming visits to Carbondale. Or call (312) 855-1380.

I am a Guatemalan citizen and I don’t have an Illinois driver’s license. How do I get a Guatemalan Consular ID?

Visit the Chicago Guatemalan Consulate office’s Web site for the eligibility criteria to apply. Click here to access the office’s contact information and hours. Click here for information about obtaining a consular ID, or call (312) 332-1587.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Use this list of resources to get help reducing your everyday expenses, claim all of the credits and benefits you are owed, and start building assets for the future.

Free Tax Preparation

The Shawnee Development Council, Inc. can help you prepare your tax return. Please contact them at (618) 634-2201 or visit their website.

Discounted Transportation Passes

The Jackson County Mass Transit District is a municipal corporation created by the Jackson County Board to provide general public transportation to the residents of Jackson County. Services are currently provided within Jackson County. Anyone is eligible to ride. To schedule transportation call the Ride Line before 5:00 P.M. the day before you need a ride. Please, call on Friday for service on the following Monday. One-way fares are as follows:
- General Public Adults (16+) - $3.00
- Students (16 - college)- $2.50
- Children (6-15)- $1.00
- Same-day General Public Adult - $6.00
- Same-day Student - $4.50
- Children under 5 - free
- Personal Attendant (accompanying disabled passengers) - FREE -
- Seniors (aged 60 +) - Scheduled in advance $2.00 and Scheduled same day $4.00.
- Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. All rides are subject to scheduling constraints. Contract services are available for agencies and businesses.
Road to Recovery, American Cancer Society - Southern Region: Volunteers assist cancer patients in getting to life saving cancer treatments. 618.998.9898
National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Volunteers assist with transportation to and from doctor's appointments and to MS programs. 800.FIGHTMS

Clothing Assistance

Women's Center - Domestic Violence Shelter Program and Rape Crisis Services: Serving Southern Illinois for over 35 years, we have helped survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Southern Illinois by providing:
- 24-hour crisis hotline intervention (618-529-2324), emergency shelter, food, supplies and transportation, individual and group support, counseling, information, referrals, education, and case management, legal, medical, and personal advocacy. This program is available to anyone in need of food and supplies in the community. 800.334.2094 or 618.529.2324
Harvest Deliverance Center: Free clothing available to anyone. To receive commodities, families must meet federal income guidelines for commodities. The center is a distribution site for USDA commodities. 618.252.0009
The Thrift Shop, Church Women United of Carbondale: Area churches, schools and social service agencies, after evaluating and validating need, issue vouchers to individuals and/or families who may present them at The Thrift Shop on Mondays and Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Each person listed on a voucher may shop for $25 worth of clothing. Each household listed on a voucher may obtain $10 worth of household items. 618.457.6976

Shelters

The Lighthouse Shelter is an emergency shelter with separate wings for men, women, and families. The shelter is a 14 to 30 day facility. The Lighthouse Shelter is a smoke free facility, accessible to those with disabilities and have staff on duty at all times. Individuals may apply between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. In addition, they provide case management services, life skills training, and vocational assistance. An individual plan is developed for each resident. The plan addresses the need for housing, employment, medical, counseling, and any other identified need for social services. 618.993.8180
Good Samarian Ministries: Provides free, safe, and temporary housing to homeless individuals; provides meals 3x/day, everyday, to residents of the emergency shelter; provides canned goods and perishable foods to people who are in need. Located at 701 South Marion Street in Carbondale. 618-457-5794

Shelters

The Lighthouse Shelter is an emergency shelter with separate wings for men, women, and families. The shelter is a 14 to 30 day facility. The Lighthouse Shelter is a smoke free facility, accessible to those with disabilities and have staff on duty at all times. Individuals may apply between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. In addition, they provide case management services, life skills training, and vocational assistance. An individual plan is developed for each resident. The plan addresses the need for housing, employment, medical, counseling, and any other identified need for social services. 618.993.8180

Good Samarian Ministries: Provides free, safe, and temporary housing to homeless individuals; provides meals 3x/day, everyday, to residents of the emergency shelter; provides canned goods and perishable foods to people who are in need. Located at 701 South Marion Street in Carbondale. 618-457-5794

Food Assistance

You may be eligible to receive food assistance from the following agencies:
Illinois Hunger Coalition: Apply for food stamps and health coverage like KidCare over the phone, and find out whether you qualify for other programs like WIC. Get free, confidential help if you've already applied for benefits and are having a difficult time getting them. Quickly find an emergency food pantry or soup kitchen near you. 800.359.2163
Harvest Deliverance Center: Food pantry of donated items also available to anyone in need. The center is a distribution site for USDA commodities. 618.252.0009
Illinois Department of Human Services - Jackson County Family Community Resource Center: The Food Stamp Program's goal is to end hunger and improve nutrition and health in community members. Assistance is provided to help low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois. Services provided through the Illinois Link System. Check out the website for eligibility guidelines and applications on-line. Located at 342 North Street, Murphysboro, IL, 62966. For more information call 618.687.1705 or visit their website.
Feed My Sheep: Provides free meals at Bethel AME Church and delivers meal to those who cannot attend. 316 East Jackson Street, Carbondale. 618-529-5278
Meals on Wheels: Delivers approximately 260 meals per day to homebound residents in Carbondale, DeSoto, Dowell, Elkville, Murphysboro, and Union County. The only guidelines to receive a meal is that the person much be 60 years of age or older. For more information, please call 618-475-4151

Childcare Advice, Help with Childcare Costs, and Family Support Services

Find free resources and referrals for child care through the following organizations:

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) – JALC: Administers IDHS Child Care Assistance Program which provides financial assistance to families to help working families or those who are working and going to school pay cost of child care. Parent pays co-pay based on income and family size and program pays remainder of cost for eligible days. For more information call 800.548.5563.
Illinois Department of Human Services - Jackson County Family Community Resource Center: This program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and medical expenses. The program also provides screenings for issues related to a variety of abuses, and services to help the family become independent such as job training and GED preparation. People who receive TANF may also be eligible for food stamps. Located at 342 North Street, Murphysboro, IL, 62966. You can contact they at 618.687.1705.

Help with Your Career

Get help finding a new job or building skills to grow your career.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Career Services (CS) provides valuable assistance to students and alumni. Among the services, CS provides assistance in developing job search skills and strategies provides employment services, functions as a regional testing center offering undergraduate/graduate, technical, professional and certification examinations. CS also provides workshops on such topics as exploring careers, writing resumes, developing interview skills, conducting a job search, and applying to graduate school. Career Services hosts a Campus-Wide Career Fair during each fall and spring semester. A Teacher Career Fair is held each spring. The staff of Career Services (CS) invites businesses, industries, government agencies, educational institutions, and health and human services agencies to recruit new employees and interns through campus interviews, Saluki Recruiting and career fairs at SIUC. Career Services is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and is located in Woody Hall B204. For further information regarding our services and making an appointment with professional staff call 618-453-2391 or 453-2392 or visit the Career Services website at http://careerservices.siuc.edu/.
Man-Tra-Con Corporation provides staff-assisted core services such as career exploration, labor market information, individual job development, job search, placement and assistance with resume writing and interviewing techniques. The Jackson County office is located at 509 S. University Avenue, Lower Level, in Carbondale. Hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (618) 457-6460 (Voice), 1-800-526-0844 (TTY), (618) 457-6474 (FAX)
The Department of Employment Security is mostly known for administering the state's unemployment insurance program. But they offer a lot more than that. IDES helps job seekers find jobs and employers find workers. We also analyze and publish a gold mine of information on the Illinois economy and careers. Customer Service: 800-244-5631, TTY: 866-322-8357
The Center for Business and Industry at John A. Logan College provides customized training to the unemployed, underemployed and currently employed needing retraining and/or job upgrading courses and programs. The Center is capable of delivering "customized" training to area employers and their employees using John A. Logan College faculty, staff and consultants. Training can be held either on-site at the place of business or on the John A. Logan College campus. Contact Darren Pulley at 618.985.3741 (TTY 618.985.2752). 700 Logan College Road, Carterville, IL, 62918
One-Stop Business & Employment Center offers many resources for finding a job now, or you might want more education and training to get a better job. Materials and Services available include:
- Computer programs for resume writing, practicing typing skills, learning computer programs, working on academic skills, career planning, academic grade level testing, books and videos for career information, education and training, resource materials, job search, job retention, motivational assistance, Internet access for educational and career purposes, including Illinois workNet, Illinois Skills Match, Local area newspapers for classifieds, and Information on WOTC tax credit and Enterprise Zones, Labor Market Information as well as other employer information. Availability of fax, copy machine and phone for job search assistance. Illinois workNet Workshops are available to assist with job search and resume creation. Cindy Webb, 618.998.9921 ext. 216, TTY 618.998.9602, 3000 W. DeYoung, Suite 800-B, Marion IL, 62959

Home Buying Assistance

Low- and moderate-income buyers can work toward purchasing an affordable home in Carbondale. There are several organizations working to help educate you about the process, and help you purchase your new home.

Finally Home Program of the State Treasurer's Office
Jackson Housing Authority: Will pay part of rent for private housing with voucher. ‎300 North 7th Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966. (618) 684-3183‎
Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council: Homebuyer provides eligible persons assistance in purchasing a home, down payment, closing cost and rehab funding. 1130 North Sparta, Steeleville IL, 62288. 618.965.3193
The Southern Illinois Coalition (SICH) for the Homeless purchases and rehabilitates vacant homes. SICH Homeless to Homebuyer Program then seeks low and very low income families to occupy homes in the twenty four southern Illinois counties the agency serves. The best possible fit between families and homes are sought, with care only to select families ready for home ownership. The family then signs a six-month Occupancy Agreement and pays 28% of their gross income monthly. At the end of the six months, the family is offered a Lease to Purchase Agreement. Under this agreement, the family works with the Case Management staff for two years to become ready to purchase their home through conventional financing. The family then become homeowners - the ultimate solution to homelessness. 801 N. Market, Marion, Illinois, 62959. 618.993.0094
Jackson-Union County Habitat for Humanity: Works in partnership with working families, utilizing donated or discounted materials and services, to help them become first-time home owners. For more information call 618-457-8480.

Rental Assistance

Get help paying overdue rent, avoiding eviction, or applying for a security deposit to move into permanent housing. For more information, contact:

Crosswalk Community Action Agency: Targeted toward those individuals and families who are actually homeless or are about to become homeless. Assistance could include a number of different approaches, including help with rent, security deposits, or mortgage payments. The intent of this program is to either assist in moving people out of a homeless situation, or, if possible, prevent a homeless situation from occurring. 618-937-3581.