When Grafton Township was founded in 1850, the area population was recorded at 440. By 1870, the township population had grown to 1,359. Thomas Stillwell Huntley (1807-1894) was the first elected Supervisor of Grafton Township; that is the only elected office he ever held. He was much loved and respected by the area residents; that his obituary stated that “his kindness and generosity will always be remembered so long as the history of the town remains”. The area was first settled as a farm community. Good land and hard work made for a surplus of farm products and local farmers were able to produce enough milk to supply local creameries and to send milk to other milk plants in Chicago. Grafton contains a large proportion of low, wet land about the central parts, hence is better adapted to stock than grain, and like the neighboring townships of Coral and Algonquin, the leading industry among the farmers is the dairy business. This township is one of the southern tier, being joined on the south by Kane County, on the east by Algonquin, on north by Dorr, and the west by Coral. It is township 43, range 7. 

Quick Facts

• Located in McHenry County Illinois.
• Serving Huntley IL, Algonquin IL, Lakewood IL, Crystal Lake IL, and Lake in the Hills IL
• Population - 53,125 (2010) 
• Area - 36 square miles

Help out families in need by donating new school supplies. The Salvation Army takes the donated school supplies and makes backpacks for children in McHenry County. Grafton Township has a drop box for school supplies in the main entrance. If you would like to donate school supplies or need more information please call 847-669-3328. If you are in need of a backpack for your children please click HERE for more details, and dates to pick up backpacks. Some of the supplies needed are:

The McHenry County Division of Transportation is undertaking an update to their 2018 Transit Plan. The goal of the Transit Plan will be to evaluate existing markets for public transportation and identify where transit improvements are needed. Take part in this survey to let the county know what you want and need from our local public transportation. 

Click HERE to go to the survey.

General Assistance/Emergency Assistance -  Grafton Township Residents Only

If you are unsure if you reside in Grafton Township, please call our office and we will help 847-669-3328.

Grafton Township offers General and Emergency Assistance to Grafton Township residents only. If you need assistance, and you live in Grafton Township,  please print out and complete the G.A./E.A. Application, and the Medical Inquiry form. 

Please call to schedule an appointment to return your completed G.A./E.A. Application, Medical Resource Inquiry Form, and required documents. 847-669-3328 

For additional Assistance Resources, please click HERE.

McHenry County Housing Authority list of Resources click HERE.

Huntley Salvation Army -  Huntley Residents Only

Grafton Township is the Huntley branch for the Salvation Army. If you are a resident of Huntley, and you need help, please print out the Salvation Army Application, and call Grafton Township for an appointment to return your completed application. For more information go to the Supervisor's section on this website. All other McHenry County residents need to apply at the Crystal Lake Salvation Army. Please call them at 815-455-2769 to check for rules and eligibility.

Please call to schedule an appointment to return your application. 847-669-3328 

Senior Bingo

Please join us on Tuesday June 12th, 2018, for Grafton Township Senior Bingo. Today's Senior Bingo host is Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care. Our host will also serve complimentary lunch for all in attendance. The program begins at 11:00 A.M. and ends at 2:30 P.M. Grafton Senior Bingo is held at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 W. Coral Street Huntley, Illinois. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office. Doors open at 10:00.

Bingo is open to all seniors who would like to attend. 

A.A.R.P. Smart Driver Class

Grafton Township & A.A.R.P. are sponsoring this comprehensive drivers course. The class is designed for drivers 50 and above. Must attend both days to earn your certificate. Classes are held at the American Community Bank in Huntley. You will need to pre-register for this event. Please contact Grafton Township for information on how to register for this class. For more information click HERE, or call 847-669-3328.

Date: June 20 - 21 

Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

TLS Veterans - Transforming Lives Through Service to Veterans

Do you know a Veteran who needs food, housing, employment, or transition support? TLS Veterans provides Veterans in need and their families the services necessary to experience hope and achieve success. Services at the McHenry site are confidential and provided free of charge. There are eligibility requirements for some services, and the Resource Center is an excellent place to call or stop in to ask for more information and obtain program specific fliers. We welcome Veterans and their families, as well as active military and reserves. For more information please call TLS Veterans at 815-679-6667 or click HERE to go to their website. TLS Veterans is located at 5330 West Elm Street McHenry, IL. 60050. For the TLS program New Horizons, Transitional Living for Veterans please call 815-648-2203. 

The M.C.H.A. has a variety of services available to McHenry County residents. Some of the programs offered are: Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing in scattered 3 bedroom homes throughout McHenry County, Senior Housing for low income seniors and people with disabilities in 2 rental developments, Administers Homeless Prevention Program, Emergency Shelter Program, Administers a Rehab program that assists low income home owners repair their homes, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP) that assists low income households with the cost of heating and cooling their homes, and Administers the Weatherization Program that assists low income households to make repairs to their homes that will reduce the cost of heating and cooling their homes. 

To learn more about the programs that are available and how to qualify, click HERE to go to the M.C.H.A. website.

Click HERE to view The McHenry County Housing Authority's Resource Guide - This comprehensive list of resources will help you find various types of assistance throughout the county such as: Food Pantries, Veterans Assistance Programs, Medical Care, Dental Care, Diaper Banks, Pet related Services, Affordable and Subsidized Housing, Local Shelters, and so much more. For more information about these programs, and to see if you qualify, please visit or call the McHenry County Housing Authority 1108 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL.  815-338-7752.

Old Firehouse Assistance Center - Assistance for People who are Homeless

Services, assistance and resources for people who are homeless. Managed by the McHenry County Housing Authority, the service center is open from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The Old Firehouse Assistance Center is located at 120 W. South St. Woodstock, IL. 60098. Some of the services offered are: medical care, snacks and meals, hot showers, a place to sit and rest, free haircuts, housing opportunities, and more in a welcoming and comfortable setting. Please call 815-337-9809, or click HERE to see their flyer.

2-1-1 (United Way)

2-1-1 is the United Way, and an extensive resource database for anyone needing assistance. 2-1-1 provides a free and easy way for everyone to access help with almost any challenge. When you dial 2-1-1, you will be connected with a call center that will direct you to the appropriate social service agency or nonprofit organization. Trained specialists will quickly assess your needs and offer knowledgeable information and referral. Totally confidential. Please call 2-1-1 or go to www.findhelp211.org for more assistance information.

Recycling in McHenry County

Environmental Defenders of McHenry County 

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are the county's leading resource 

for all of your recycling needs. 

Please click HERE to go directly to their website for more specific recycling information,

or call 815-338-0393 to talk to them regarding your recycling needs.

To view the McHenry County Recycling Green Guide, click HERE.

Environmental Defenders Recycling 2018

DATE: June 9th

TIME: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.*

LOCATION: McHenry Train Station 4005 Main St. McHenry

* The recycling event could end early due to the truck being full.*

Monday- Friday   6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday              9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday                 No Service

How much is a Ride?

MCRide has a distance-based fare structure and all fares must be paid, in cash, upon boarding the bus. Drivers will not have change.

General Public -  $2.50 first 5 miles, 6 or more miles will be an additional $0.25 each.

Seniors(60 Plus) - $1.25 first 5 miles, 6 or more miles will be an additional $.025 each.

Individuals with a Disability - $1.25 first 5 miles, Each mile after 5 will be $0.25

 Please look at the sample General Public fare below for a 7 mile ride.

 $2.50 for the first 5 miles, plus $0.25 each for the 6th & 7th mile, equals $3.00 one way fare, or $6.00 round trip fare.

To register, and schedule your ride, please call 800-451-4599.

If you have questions about eligibility call 815-334-4981

Please click the links below for more information: