Cook County Announces Upcoming Reentry Services RFQ for Community Providers

Community
Courts and Legal
Public Safety and Jails

Justice Advisory Council to seek qualified nonprofit partners to deliver housing, case coordination and transportation services for justice-involved residents

CHICAGO -- Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced an upcoming Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for community-based nonprofit organizations interested in providing reentry and supportive services for justice-involved residents across Cook County. 

The RFQ, which will be administered by the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC), will establish a pool of qualified providers to support both new and existing County initiatives serving two key populations: individuals in the pretrial period who have been charged with a crime, and residents returning home to Cook County after incarceration. 

Selected organizations may provide services such as transitional housing, housing navigation and rental assistance, case coordination and transportation. The effort reflects Cook County’s continued commitment to reducing barriers to stability, strengthening communities and expanding second chances for residents impacted by the criminal legal system.

“April is Second Chance Month, a time to recognize the barriers many people face after justice involvement and incarceration,” said President Preckwinkle. “Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed. By partnering with trusted community organizations, Cook County is investing in the stability, dignity and success of residents returning home from incarceration and those navigating the court process. When we support our neighbors, we build safer and more just communities for all.” 

The 2026 Reentry Services RFQ builds on Cook County’s broader strategy to support successful reentry starting with first contact with the criminal legal system, continuing through a resident’s return to the community.

“Reentry is not just about services; it's about building relationships, connection and community,” said Avik Das, Executive Director of the JAC. “With this RFQ, we are laying the foundation for strong partnerships with community-based organizations that will walk alongside justice-involved residents and people coming home from incarceration who deserve dignity and a fair chance to succeed in their communities.”

The 2026 Reentry Services RFQ will identify community-based non-profit organizations equipped to provide services in one or more of the following categories:

1: Housing Navigation and Rental Assistance - Support for returning residents in finding, securing and maintaining viable rental housing. Services may include but are not limited to: 

  • Assistance with housing search and application processes
  • Advocacy and education with landlords
  • Coordination of Cook County rental assistance payments to landlords, and utility payments

2: Transitional Housing - Safe and stable transitional housing for justice involved-residents in their pretrial period or post-incarceration. Requirements for transitional housing include but are not limited to: 

  • Providing safe and appropriate sleeping, dining, recreational and bathroom facilities and secure storage for residents' belongings
  • Maintaining 24-hour staff presence
  • Maintaining consistent communication with the JAC and other partners
  • Having polices and protocols for prescribed medications including those for medication assisted recovery

 3: Case Coordination - Working with court system stakeholders and community providers to connect justice-involved residents to appropriate transitional housing options. Services may include but are not limited to: 

  • Supporting the screening of residents in the pretrial period for acute housing insecurity
  • Supporting referral to community-based transitional housing partners 
  • Coordinating transportation to transitional housing providers

4: Transportation - Providing transportation for justice-involved residents, primarily to transitional housing provider locations. Requirements may include but are not limited to: 

  • Providing suitable, safe vehicles that meet all appropriate and required licensing and registration rules and maintaining drivers with valid licenses
  • Interfacing with government and community partners to transport clients to housing providers or programming locations.

Key Dates         

For more information and to apply, visit CookCountyIL.gov/JACGrants

###

Share

News Rooms

Press Room

Media Contact

Laura Grossman
laura.grossman@cookcountyil.gov

Related Agencies