General assistance services have traditionally been provided in one form or another through the use of financial assistance. While this method provides much needed support to general assistance clients, it can at best be seen as a short-term solution to a long-term problem. While local governments are mandated to provide general assistance at minimum levels, what they provide above those minimum levels and how they go about doing so can be the difference between creating a situation of dependence and one of improved self-sufficiency.

Prior to 2013, the City and Township of Evanston worked together to provide general assistance in a manner closely aligned to the traditional method. However, voters elected to dissolve the Township and transfer general assistance services to the City. Through an innovative approach, the program was reinvented by bringing in licensed clinical workers, partnering with various community organizations, and creating mandatory educational and job assistance programs.