Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support for anyone in emotional distress, mental health crisis, or suicidal thoughts.

Call or Text: 988  ·  Area: Nationwide

Tip: You don't have to be suicidal to call. Any emotional crisis qualifies. Chat also available at 988lifeline.org.

Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline

Free, confidential, 24/7 hotline connecting survivors to emergency shelter, safety planning, legal help, and counseling across Illinois.

Phone: 877-863-6338  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: You don't have to be ready to leave to call. They help you plan when you are.

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

Free, confidential, 24/7 sexual assault hotline connecting survivors to local crisis centers, counseling, and support.

Phone: 1-800-656-4673  ·  Area: Nationwide

Tip: You do not have to report the assault to call. Advocates walk you through your options.

DCFS Child Abuse Hotline

Illinois state hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Available 24/7, confidential, anonymous reporting accepted.

Phone: 1-800-252-2873  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: You do not need proof — suspicion is enough. You can report anonymously.

Crisis Text Line

Free, confidential text-based crisis support available 24/7 without making a phone call.

Text: HOME to 741741  ·  Area: Nationwide

Tip: Use this if you can't speak out loud or don't want to call. A trained counselor responds within minutes.

Entry Point — Suburban Cook County Shelter

Main shelter access and housing crisis line for people outside Chicago city limits in suburban Cook County.

Phone: 1-877-426-6515  ·  Area: Suburban Cook County

Tip: If you are in a suburb this is your starting point — not 311. Say your town first.

Eviction Help Illinois

Free legal help for tenants facing eviction in Illinois.

Phone: 1-844-938-4280  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Call as soon as you receive court papers. Do not skip court while waiting for help.

Cook County Legal Aid for Housing & Debt

Free legal assistance for eviction, foreclosure, debt, and housing court issues in Cook County.

Phone: 855-956-5763  ·  Area: Cook County

Tip: Keep copies of all court documents and deadlines before calling.

Rentervention

Free online legal tool helping renters draft landlord letters, understand tenant rights, and connect with legal support.

Text: "hi" to 866-773-6837  ·  Area: Illinois

Tip: Have your lease, notices, or landlord messages ready before you start.

Chicago Renters' Rights Hotline

Tenant rights hotline for questions about repairs, lockouts, leases, eviction notices, deposits, and housing rights in Chicago.

Phone: 312-742-7368  ·  Area: Chicago

Tip: Call before moving out, withholding rent, or signing confusing paperwork.

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for low-income individuals and families in Chicago.

Phone: 312-742-8500  ·  Area: Chicago

Tip: This is long-term housing support, not emergency shelter. Ask whether waitlists are currently open.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago

HUD-certified housing counseling helping renters and homeowners with apartment search, eviction prevention, and budgeting.

Phone: 773-329-4111  ·  Area: Chicago

Tip: If you need shelter tonight, contact 311 first. Use this for counseling and longer-term help.

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Find a food pantry near you — search by address or ZIP code and filter by today's hours.

Phone: 773-247-3663  ·  Area: Chicago & Cook County

Tip: Filter by today's hours before you travel. Call the pantry directly to confirm they're open.

Apply for SNAP (Illinois)

Illinois food assistance program helping individuals and families buy groceries using an EBT/Link card.

Help Line: 773-247-3663  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Have ID, income information, rent amount, and household details ready.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Nutrition and food support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5. No citizenship requirement.

Phone: 1-844-901-0962  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Dads, grandparents, and foster parents can apply for children in their care.

USDA Summer Food Service Program

Free summer meals for children and teens 18 and under at parks, schools, libraries, and community sites across Illinois.

Text: FOOD to 304-304  ·  Phone: 1-800-359-2163  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Text FOOD to 304-304 to find the closest meal site. Most locations require no application or proof of income.

Medicaid (Illinois)

Free health insurance for income-eligible Illinois residents covering doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health.

Phone: 1-800-843-6154  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Many people qualify and don't know it. Coverage may be retroactive to the date you applied.

ACCESS Community Health Network

Over 35 Federally Qualified Health Center locations across Chicagoland — primary care, dental, behavioral health, and specialty services on sliding-scale fees.

Phone: 866-267-2353  ·  Area: Chicagoland

Tip: Services available regardless of insurance or immigration status. Ask about sliding-scale fees.

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Clinics

City-operated health clinics offering primary care, STI testing, immunizations, family planning, and preventive services on a sliding-scale fee basis.

Phone: 312-747-9884  ·  Area: Multiple Chicago Neighborhoods

Tip: No one is turned away for inability to pay. Bring ID and insurance cards if you have them — but not required.

All Kids (Illinois)

Free or low-cost health insurance for children under 19 regardless of immigration status.

Phone: 1-866-255-5437  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Apply for children even if parents are not eligible. No citizenship requirement for children.

Get Covered Illinois

Illinois official marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people qualify for subsidies that lower monthly costs significantly.

Phone: 1-866-311-1119  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Free enrollment assistance available — ask for a navigator near you.

NAMI Chicago Helpline

Free mental health navigation for anyone needing therapy referrals, crisis guidance, support groups, or help understanding mental health systems.

Phone: 833-626-4244  ·  Area: Chicago

Tip: Tell them your insurance situation, location, and what kind of help you need. Ask about free support groups.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral for people facing mental health or substance use disorders.

Phone: 1-800-662-4357  ·  Area: Nationwide

Tip: Free treatment referrals — no insurance required. Available in English and Spanish.

Illinois Helpline for Opioids & Other Substances

Illinois helpline connecting people to local substance use treatment, recovery coaches, and crisis support.

Call or Text: 833-234-6343  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Also available for family members supporting someone in crisis. Ask about same-day treatment options.

Legal Aid Chicago

Free civil legal services for low-income Chicago residents dealing with orders of protection, custody, housing, and safety-related legal issues.

Phone: 312-341-1070  ·  Area: Chicago & Cook County

Tip: Have any court papers, notices, or deadlines ready before calling.

Illinois Legal Aid Online

Free step-by-step guides for filing orders of protection, responding to legal threats, and navigating Illinois courts without an attorney.

Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Available in Spanish at illinoislegalaid.org/es. Covers orders of protection, eviction, custody, and more.

CARPLS — Free Legal Advice Hotline

Free legal advice hotline for Cook County residents dealing with protection orders, housing, family law, and benefits.

Phone: 312-738-9200  ·  Area: Cook County

Tip: No appointment needed. They can refer you to legal aid attorneys for ongoing representation.

Cabrini Green Legal Aid — Record Clearing

Free legal services for low-income Cook County residents seeking to expunge or seal criminal records and navigate reentry challenges.

Phone: 312-738-2452  ·  Area: Cook County

Tip: Ask about free record-clearing clinics. Driver's license restoration help also available.

Safer Foundation

Reentry support for people with arrest and conviction records — employment, housing, job training, and case management across Chicago.

Phone: 312-922-2200  ·  Area: Chicago

Tip: Services available for people currently incarcerated and recently released. Ask about job placement and housing support.

City Colleges of Chicago

Seven community colleges across Chicago offering associate degrees, career certificates, transfer pathways, GED prep, and workforce training programs.

Area: Chicago Citywide

Tip: Fill out the FAFSA before registering. Ask about free tuition programs and workforce scholarships.

FAFSA Help — Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Free FAFSA assistance helping students unlock grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid.

Phone: 1-800-899-4722  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Never pay anyone to complete a FAFSA form. Have Social Security numbers and tax information ready.

Chicago Public Library

81 branches across Chicago with free books, computers, WiFi, printing, study space, classes, and community programs.

Phone: 312-747-4300  ·  Area: Chicago Citywide

Tip: Use library computers for job applications and printing. Ask staff about ESL classes, tutoring, and kids programs.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

Free workforce development offering career coaching, job training, resume support, and placement services through American Job Centers across Chicago and Cook County.

Area: Chicago & Cook County

Tip: Bring ID, resume, and work history. Ask about transportation help, interview clothing, or certification funding.

Illinois WorkNet — Chicago Jobs Board

Illinois' official job board connecting Chicago residents to local employers plus free training, resume help, and career coaches.

Area: Chicago & Statewide

Tip: Create a free account to apply to jobs and access career tools. Use "Find an American Job Center" for in-person help.

Amazon — Warehouse & Fulfillment

Multiple fulfillment and delivery centers in and around Chicago. Hiring constantly for warehouse associates, package handlers, and delivery drivers — often with same-week start dates.

Pay: Starting around $18–$20/hr + benefits  ·  Area: Chicago & Suburbs

Tip: No experience required for most warehouse roles. Ask about sign-on bonuses — they run them frequently. Benefits start on day one.

CTA — Bus Operator & Rail Technician

One of the biggest employers in the city. Bus operators, rail technicians, mechanics, and clerical staff — union jobs with solid pay and full benefits.

Pay: $20–$30+/hr depending on role

Tip: No college degree required for most operator and technician roles. Bus operator training is paid — they train you on the job.

City of Chicago — Municipal Jobs

Regularly posts openings for laborers, transit workers, administrative staff, public health roles, and more. Stable, benefit-heavy jobs that are often overlooked.

Area: Citywide

Tip: Check the site weekly — postings open and close fast. Many roles don't require a college degree.

DoorDash, Uber Eats & Instacart — Delivery

Food and grocery delivery — the lowest barrier gig in Chicago. You can use a car, bike, or even walk in dense neighborhoods. Approval usually within 1–3 days.

Tip: Sign up on all three at the same time. Lunch and dinner rushes are your money hours — 11am–2pm and 5pm–9pm.

Indeed

The most-used job search site in the country. Apply to hundreds of Chicago jobs directly, set up alerts for new postings, and upload your resume so employers can find you.

Tip: Filter by "Hiring immediately" or "No experience required." Upload a resume even if it's basic — it increases your visibility to employers.

Illinois Teen Parent Services (TPS)

Support for parents under 20 in Cook County — school completion, childcare, SNAP, WIC, medical coverage, and career planning.

Phone: 773-881-2900  ·  Area: Cook County

Tip: Ask for a case manager and what support services are available. Ask about childcare and transportation support.

DCFS Extended Family Support Program

Support for relatives raising children outside the formal foster care system — guardianship, school enrollment, benefits, and basic support.

DCFS Hotline: 1-800-252-2873  ·  Area: Illinois

Tip: Ask what paperwork is needed to prove the child lives with you. Grandparents raising grandchildren qualify.

Fussy Baby Network

Free support hotline for caregivers dealing with crying, stress, sleep issues, or overwhelming moments with babies and young children.

Phone: 888-431-2229  ·  Area: Illinois Families

Tip: Call early instead of waiting until burnout happens. This line is for stressed caregivers, not just babies in crisis.

Early Intervention (Kids 0–3)

Helps babies and toddlers under age 3 with developmental delays through speech, physical, occupational, and developmental therapy services.

Cook County Phone: 708-444-8460  ·  Area: Cook County & Illinois Statewide

Tip: Ask how to schedule a free developmental evaluation. Therapy can happen at home, daycare, or another location.

Catholic Charities of Chicago

One of Chicago's largest social service networks — counseling, immigration services, food assistance, housing help, senior services, and family support regardless of faith background.

Phone: 312-655-7000  ·  Area: Multiple Chicago & Suburban Locations

Tip: Services are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Ask about sliding-scale fees for counseling.

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Statewide faith-based organization providing mental health counseling, refugee resettlement, housing, senior care, and disability services.

Phone: 800-762-5741  ·  Area: Illinois Statewide

Tip: Services open to people of all backgrounds. Medicaid and sliding-scale options available.

Salvation Army — Chicago

Emergency shelter, food assistance, utility help, disaster relief, and community support across Chicago and suburbs.

Phone: 312-738-0771  ·  Area: Chicago & Suburbs

Tip: Call to find the nearest location. Services available to all — no faith affiliation required.

Franciscan Outreach

Large overnight shelter for single adults with meals, showers, and on-site healthcare.

Address: 2715 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612  ·  Phone: 773-278-6724

Tip: Call or arrive early and ask if intake is still open. If no bed is available, ask where they are sending people tonight.

Joshua's Center / Breakthrough Women's Center

Shelter and support services for women needing a safe place, basic needs, and connection to longer-term help.

Address: 3330 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624  ·  Phone: 773-722-0179

Tip: Call first and ask if intake is open today. If you can't reach anyone, also call 311.

Covenant House Illinois

Shelter, transitional housing, and wraparound support for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

Address: 2934 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60612  ·  Phone: 312-759-7870

Tip: Say your age and whether you need emergency or transitional support when you call.

Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse

File for an emergency order of protection, speak with an advocate, and attend hearings — same day, no appointment needed.

Address: 555 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607  ·  Phone: 312-325-9435

Tip: Bring any evidence — photos, texts, police reports. Ask for an on-site advocate to help you through the process.

Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC)

Affordable housing development, homeownership counseling, rental listings, cooperative business development, and community organizing on the West Side.

Address: 3843 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (773) 762-8889

Tip: Ask specifically about homes for sale, rental listings, or homeownership workshops depending on your situation.

Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation

Affordable housing development, waitlist information, and community-based housing support on the West Side.

Address: 2550 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647  ·  Phone: 773-278-5669

Tip: Not for emergency shelter tonight. Use for affordable housing, waitlist info, or housing counseling.

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Community pantry providing groceries and food support for families on the West Side.

Address: 2859 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612

Hours: Wednesdays 2:30pm–5:30pm · Fridays 10am–12:30pm

Tip: Check hours before visiting. Bring bags if you have them.

Harmony Community Cares

Food pantry serving families on the West Side and nearby communities.

Address: 1908 S. Millard Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Hours: Wednesdays 10:30am–1pm

Service Area: ZIP codes 60608, 60612, 60623, 60624, 60632

Tip: Check your ZIP code against the service area before visiting.

St. Martin De Porres

Community food pantry on the West Side.

Address: 5112 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644  ·  Phone: 773-287-0206

Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am–12pm

Tip: Call ahead to confirm hours haven't changed.

Wells Temple Community Development Center

Community pantry providing groceries and food assistance on the West Side.

Address: 2739 W. Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612  ·  Hours: Fridays 1pm–3pm

Tip: Friday afternoons only — plan ahead and bring bags.

Farm on Ogden

Community garden and urban farm offering free or low-cost produce on the West Side.

Address: 3555 W. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

Tip: Ask about volunteer opportunities in exchange for fresh produce.

Love Fridge — Stone Temple Church

Community refrigerator stocked with free fresh food, produce, and groceries available 24/7.

Address: 3622 W. Douglas Blvd, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Access: Open 24/7

Tip: Open around the clock. Take only what you need so others can access food too.

WestSide Mutual Aid

Community-led food distributions, direct support, and emergency aid organized through neighborhood mutual aid networks.

Area: West Side Chicago

Tip: Distribution times change weekly — check social media before traveling.

Austin Town Hall Farmers Market

SNAP/Link match farmers market — your Link dollars are doubled on fresh produce.

Address: 5610 W. Lake St  ·  Day: Wednesdays, May–Oct

Tip: Swipe your Link card at the SNAP booth for doubled tokens to spend at any vendor on fresh produce.

Garfield Park Neighborhood Market

SNAP/Link match farmers market — Link dollars doubled on fresh produce purchases.

Address: 135 N. Kedzie Ave  ·  Day: 2nd & 4th Saturdays, May–Oct

Tip: 2nd and 4th Saturdays only — check before you go.

Lawndale Christian Health Center (LCHC)

Full-service community health center rooted in North Lawndale — primary care, dental, behavioral health, and specialty services on a sliding-scale basis.

Address: 3860 W. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: 773-854-6000

Tip: Part of the Lawndale Christian family. Sliding-scale fees — no one turned away for inability to pay.

Lawndale Christian Fitness Center (LCFC)

Affordable community fitness center open since 2005. Memberships start at $15/month. FitnessRx program offers free memberships for patients with chronic illness referred by a health provider.

Address: 3750 W. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (872) 588-3200

Tip: Ask your doctor about a FitnessRx prescription if you have a chronic illness — it covers your membership cost.

Haymarket Center

One of the Midwest's largest providers of substance use treatment — detox, residential treatment, outpatient care, and housing.

Address: 932 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607  ·  Phone: 312-226-7984

Tip: Call to ask about walk-in assessment availability. Medicaid accepted — ask about options if uninsured.

Mile Square Health Center (UI Health)

University of Illinois Health-affiliated community health centers — primary care, dental, behavioral health, and specialty services on sliding-scale fees.

Phone: 312-996-2000  ·  Area: Multiple Chicago Locations including West Side

Tip: Call to find the nearest location. Sliding-scale fees available based on income.

University of Illinois College of Dentistry

Dental school clinic offering comprehensive dental care at significantly reduced rates under faculty supervision.

Address: 801 S. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60612  ·  Phone: 312-996-7558

Tip: Call to schedule a new patient appointment. Wait times can be longer than private practices — plan ahead.

Learning Edge Tutoring – Austin

Free K–12 tutoring serving Austin and surrounding West Side neighborhoods — one-on-one support and reading specialists.

Area: Austin & West Side Chicago  ·  Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

Tip: Evening hours make this accessible for working families. Contact to confirm current schedule.

UIC Center for Literacy

Free GED preparation for adults on the South and West Sides with small-group and one-on-one academic support.

Area: South Side & West Side Chicago

Tip: Ask about class schedules that fit work or family responsibilities.

LCDC Co-op Program

Cooperative business development program building shared ownership businesses and creating jobs for North Lawndale residents.

Address: 3843 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (773) 762-8889

Tip: Ask about cooperative membership, job opportunities, and business development support.

Safer Foundation – North Lawndale

Reentry support for people with conviction records. Employment, housing, job training, and case management.

Address: 2839 W. Fillmore St, Chicago, IL 60612  ·  Phone: (773) 808-7900

Tip: Walk-ins welcome Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm. Bring any documentation you have — they'll work with whatever you've got.

Westside Health Authority (WHA)

Austin community anchor since 1988 — employment programs, reentry support, health care access, and youth development. Serves 22,000+ Westside residents.

Address: 4800 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651  ·  Phone: (773) 287-3100

Tip: Call ahead to find out which program fits your need — employment, reentry, youth, and health are all separate departments.

Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC)

Restorative justice legal defense for Chicago youth and young adults facing criminal charges. Founded in 2010 with a mission to make every young person's first contact with the criminal justice system their last.

Area: North Lawndale & Chicago

Tip: Focused on youth and young adults. Contact as early as possible after any criminal justice contact — early intervention matters.

Hope House Men's Recovery Home

Men's recovery home affiliated with the Lawndale Christian family — residential support for men working through substance use recovery on the West Side.

Area: North Lawndale, Chicago

Tip: Contact through the Lawndale Christian Community Church to get connected to Hope House.

Haymarket Center

One of the Midwest's largest providers of substance use treatment — detox, residential treatment, outpatient care, and housing.

Address: 932 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607  ·  Phone: 312-226-7984

Tip: Call to ask about walk-in assessment availability. Medicaid accepted — ask about options if uninsured.

By the Hand Club for Kids – Austin

Faith-based after-school program walking kids from kindergarten through college — mind, body, and soul. Two Westside locations in Austin.

Address: 415 N. Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60644  ·  Phone: (312) 208-6094

Tip: Kids are referred through their school principal. Call ahead to ask about enrollment and what schools they partner with.

Youth Outreach Services (YOS) – Austin

Street outreach, counseling, and crisis intervention for at-risk youth since 1959. Child welfare, juvenile justice, prevention, and housing support.

Address: 5910 W. Division St, Chicago, IL 60651  ·  Phone: (773) 777-7112

Tip: The main phone line covers all locations — call and they'll connect you to the right site.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago – Westside

After-school and summer programs for youth with academic help, healthy activities, and character development.

Phone: (312) 235-8000  ·  Multiple Westside locations

Tip: Use the "Find a Club" tool to locate the nearest Westside location. Membership is low-cost or free depending on the site.

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

Residential care and community support for youth facing crisis. Safe home, therapy, education support, and career guidance since 1887.

Address: 1140 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607  ·  Phone: (312) 738-7560

Tip: Referrals come through families, schools, or DCFS. If your child is in crisis and you're not sure if they qualify, call anyway.

Youth Guidance — BAM & WOW

School-based counseling in 140+ Chicago schools. Home of BAM (Becoming a Man) and WOW (Working on Womanhood) programs.

Phone: (312) 253-4900  ·  School-based — operates in your child's school

Tip: Ask your child's school if Youth Guidance has a counselor on-site. BAM and WOW are in-school — no separate enrollment needed.

Gads Hill Center – North Lawndale

Youth education and family support since 1898. Early childhood, after-school, and teen services in North Lawndale.

Address: 2317 S. Millard Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (773) 927-0900

Tip: Call to confirm current program availability before you visit.

Family Focus Lawndale

Family support center in North Lawndale. Early childhood, teen programs, adult services, and community resources for parents, children, and youth.

Address: 2010 S. Millard Ave, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (773) 521-3306

Tip: Walk-ins are welcome. Great first stop if you need help figuring out what services your family qualifies for.

BBF Family Services

West Side community organization providing youth programs, mentoring, after-school activities, and family support services.

Address: 1512 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (773) 542-7300

Tip: Good for youth engagement, after-school support, mentoring, and family-centered programs.

SGA Youth & Family Services

Free services since 1911. Early childhood, parenting support, workforce development, and education programs across Chicagoland's most challenged neighborhoods.

Phone: (773) 769-7900  ·  Multiple locations across Cook County

Tip: Services are free and cover everything from prenatal to workforce training.

Girls in the Game

Sports, health, and leadership programs for Chicago girls. Builds confidence, healthy habits, and life skills through physical activity and mentorship.

Address: 1401 S. Sacramento Dr, Chicago, IL 60623  ·  Phone: (312) 633-4263

Tip: Programs run in schools and community sites. Call to find which locations are nearest and when the next cycle starts.

Lawndale Christian Community Church

Non-denominational church anchoring the Lawndale Christian family — Sunday worship plus community ministry through the health center, legal center, development corporation, fitness center, and recovery home.

Address: 3827 W. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

Tip: Sunday services at 8:30am and 10:30am. The church connects people to all Lawndale family ministries — start here if you're not sure which arm you need.

Franciscan Outreach

Faith-based organization providing hot meals, emergency shelter, showers, healthcare, and wraparound support on the West Side.

Address: 2715 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612  ·  Phone: 773-278-6724

Tip: Open to anyone in need — no faith background required. Call ahead to confirm meal and shelter schedules.

Zeta Phi Beta – Tau Xi Zeta Chapter

The Finer Women of Forest Park. Serving Chicago's Westside through scholarships, veteran outreach, homeless feeding, community cleanups, election support, and neighborhood service.

Area: Chicago's Westside / Forest Park

Tip: Check their page for upcoming community events and service opportunities.

La Casa Norte

Emergency shelter, drop-in centers, and supportive housing for youth and families. Services in English and Spanish.

Address: 3533 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647  ·  Phone: 773-276-4900

Tip: Call and explain whether you are a youth, parent, or family. Ask if Spanish-speaking staff are available if needed.

The Night Ministry

Housing, healthcare, outreach, and youth shelter services including The Crib for young adults ages 18–24.

Address: 1735 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622  ·  Phone: 773-784-9000

Tip: Tell staff your age immediately so they route you correctly. Ask about The Crib if you are between 18–24 years old.

Center on Halsted Youth Program

Free support services, drop-in help, housing connection, and community resources for LGBTQ+ and homeless youth ages 12–24.

Address: 3656 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613  ·  Phone: 773-472-6469

Tip: Say your age first so staff route you correctly. Affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth.

More housing resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding North Side organizations.

Cornerstone Community Outreach

Community meals, pantry support, shelter services, and family assistance in Rogers Park on the North Side.

Address: 7649 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60626

Hours: Lunch Daily 12pm–2pm · Dinner Mon–Fri 5:30pm–6:30pm · Weekend Dinner 5pm–6pm

Tip: Hot meals open to all — no registration required. Children and families are welcome.

Lakeview Pantry (Nourishing Hope)

One of Chicago's largest food pantry networks — groceries, hot meals, social services, and home delivery support.

Area: Multiple Chicago Locations

Tip: Check the website for the nearest pantry location and hours. Ask whether home delivery is available for your address.

Green City Market

SNAP/Link match farmers market — Green City Market TRIPLES your Link dollars on fresh produce purchases.

Area: Lincoln Park & West Loop locations

Tip: This is the only Chicago market that triples Link spending. Swipe your card at the SNAP booth for tripled tokens.

Heartland Health Centers

Community health centers on the North and Northwest Sides offering primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-scale fee basis.

Phone: 773-751-4600  ·  Area: North & Northwest Side Chicago

Tip: Services available in English and Spanish. Ask about same-day appointments for urgent care needs.

Near North Health

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Chicago's North Side, Near North, and Cabrini communities — primary care, dental, behavioral health, and women's services.

Phone: 312-337-1073  ·  Area: Near North Side Chicago

Tip: Sliding-scale fees — no one turned away for inability to pay. Ask about pediatric, women's health, and mental health services.

Chicago Free Clinic

Volunteer-run free clinic providing primary care, specialist consultations, lab work, and prescription assistance for uninsured adults in Chicago.

Phone: 773-296-9600  ·  Area: Chicago (Lakeview)

Tip: Services are completely free — no insurance, no payment required. Call ahead to ask about appointment availability and eligibility.

Chicago Women's Health Center

Feminist community health center on the North Side offering gynecological care, STI testing, counseling, and reproductive health services on a sliding scale.

Phone: 773-935-6126  ·  Area: North Side Chicago

Tip: Sliding-scale fees based on income. Affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients.

Chicago Lights Tutoring

Free tutoring and enrichment program for students grades 1–12 with transportation, meals, career development, and scholarship opportunities.

Phone: 312-274-3828  ·  Area: Near North, West Side & South Side Chicago

Tip: Serves multiple sides of the city. Call to find the site closest to you and ask about enrollment.

More jobs resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding North Side organizations.

More legal resources coming soon.

See the Available Everywhere section above for statewide legal help.

More mental health resources coming soon.

See the Available Everywhere section above for statewide mental health help.

More recovery resources coming soon.

See the Available Everywhere section above for statewide recovery help.

More youth resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding North Side organizations.

More family resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding North Side organizations.

See the Available Everywhere section above for statewide insurance resources.

Senior resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding North Side organizations.

Cornerstone Community Outreach

North Side faith-based organization offering daily hot meals, a food pantry, emergency shelter, and family services in Rogers Park.

Address: 7649 N. Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60626

Meal Hours: Lunch Daily 12pm–2pm · Dinner Mon–Fri 5:30pm–6:30pm · Weekend Dinner 5pm–6pm

Tip: Hot meals open to all — no registration or faith background required. Children and families welcome.

Night Ministry

Faith-rooted Chicago organization providing housing, healthcare, outreach, and youth shelter including The Crib for young adults ages 18–24.

Phone: 773-784-9000  ·  Address: 1735 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Tip: Call to ask about shelter, outreach, and housing program availability. Young adults 18–24 ask specifically about The Crib.

SPARC — Single Adult Shelter

24/7 emergency shelter for single adults in Chicago. Open around the clock with no prior referral needed.

Address: 2241 S. Halsted, Chicago

Tip: Open 24/7 for single adults — walk-ins accepted. Call first if possible to ask about bed availability.

Salvation Army Shield of Hope

24/7 emergency shelter for families with children in Chicago. Walk-ins welcome.

Address: 924 N. Christiana Ave, Chicago  ·  Phone: 872-281-7610

Tip: Walk-ins accepted 24/7 for families with children. Call ahead to confirm bed availability. Say how many adults and children are with you.

Family Rescue

South Side domestic violence organization providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and long-term family support.

Hotline: 800-360-6619  ·  Area: South Side Chicago

Tip: Call for emergency shelter or longer-term housing support. If in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Featherfist

Emergency shelter, veteran services, case management, and permanent housing support for people experiencing homelessness.

Address: 2255 E. 103rd St, Chicago, IL 60617  ·  Phone: 773-721-7088

Tip: If you are a veteran, mention that immediately — additional services may apply.

Margaret's Village

Transitional housing for women, children, families, and seniors. Counseling, parenting classes, health and wellness, and anti-violence programs.

Address: 7320 S. Yale Ave, Chicago, IL 60621  ·  Phone: 773-488-1119

Tip: Call before going and ask if they currently have openings. If you need shelter tonight, also call 311.

Pilsen Food Pantry

Community pantry providing culturally relevant groceries, personal care items, and delivery support for homebound residents.

Area: Pilsen / Lower West Side Chicago

Tip: Check website for current hours and any delivery options for homebound residents.

Catholic Charities Casa Catalina

Community food pantry serving families on the South Side with grocery assistance and emergency food support.

Phone: 773-376-9425  ·  Address: 4537 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Hours: Tues 9:30am–11:30am & 1pm–3pm · Wed 1pm–5:30pm · Thurs 10am–11:30am & 1pm–3pm  ·  Service Area: ZIP 60609

Tip: Confirm your ZIP code is 60609 before visiting — they serve that service area specifically.

Shepherd's Hope

Englewood food pantry providing groceries and emergency food assistance for neighborhood residents.

Phone: 773-846-9494  ·  Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am–2pm

Tip: Call ahead to confirm availability. Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

Ebenezer MBC Food Pantry

Community pantry serving Bronzeville and nearby South Side residents with grocery assistance.

Phone: 773-373-6144  ·  Address: 4501 S. Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

Hours: Tuesdays 12pm–2pm  ·  Service Area: ZIP 60653

Tip: Confirm your ZIP is 60653 before visiting. Tuesdays only.

Fellowship MBC Church

Church-based pantry providing groceries and food assistance for families throughout Cook County.

Phone: 773-924-3232  ·  Address: 4543 S. Princeton Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Hours: Wednesdays 8am–10am · 4th Saturdays 8am–11am  ·  Service Area: All Cook County

Tip: Open to all Cook County — no ZIP restriction. 4th Saturday distributions are larger.

Urban Growers Collective

South Side urban farming network offering free or low-cost produce and volunteer opportunities at multiple sites.

Area: Multiple South Side sites

Tip: Check the website for the nearest site. Volunteer opportunities available in exchange for fresh produce.

Bronzeville Farmers Market

SNAP/Link match farmers market — Link dollars doubled on fresh produce purchases.

Address: 4700 S. King Dr  ·  Day: Sundays (May–Oct)

Tip: Swipe your Link card at the SNAP booth for doubled tokens to spend at any vendor on fresh produce.

Hyde Park Farmers Market

SNAP/Link match farmers market — Link dollars doubled on fresh produce purchases.

Address: 5300 S. Hyde Park Blvd  ·  Day: Sundays (May–Oct)

Tip: Sundays only. Swipe your Link card at the SNAP booth for doubled tokens.

Pullman Farmers Market

SNAP/Link match farmers market — Link dollars doubled on fresh produce purchases.

Address: 11100 S. Cottage Grove  ·  Day: Wednesdays (May–Oct)

Tip: Wednesdays only. Swipe your Link card at the SNAP booth for doubled tokens.

Plant Chicago

Urban farm and community food hub in Back of the Yards offering free or low-cost produce and educational programs.

Address: 4444 S. Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Tip: Check the website for current hours and produce availability. Educational programs also available.

19th Ward Mutual Aid

South Side mutual aid network organizing neighborhood food distributions, emergency support, and community assistance.

Area: South Side Chicago

Tip: Check Instagram for the next food distribution date and location. Arrive early during large community distributions.

Illinois College of Optometry — Illinois Eye Institute

Eye exams and vision care at significantly reduced rates, performed by optometry students under faculty supervision.

Phone: 312-949-7280  ·  Address: 3241 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Tip: Call to schedule a new patient exam. Reduced fees — ask about income-based assistance. Glasses and contact lens prescriptions available.

UChicago Neighborhood Schools Program

Free K–12 tutoring through University of Chicago students across South Side community sites — homework help and individualized tutoring support.

Area: South Side Chicago  ·  Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4pm–6pm

Tip: Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Contact to find which South Side site is closest to you.

UIC Center for Literacy

Free GED preparation for adults on the South and West Sides with small-group and one-on-one academic support.

Area: South Side & West Side Chicago

Tip: Ask about class schedules that fit work or family responsibilities. One-on-one support available.

Chicago Lights Tutoring

Free tutoring and enrichment for students grades 1–12 with transportation, meals, career development, and scholarship opportunities.

Phone: 312-274-3828  ·  Area: Near North, West Side & South Side Chicago

Tip: Serves multiple sides of the city. Call to find the site closest to you and ask about enrollment.

More jobs resources coming soon.

See the Available Everywhere section above for citywide job resources.

Southwest Women Working Together

Southwest Side Chicago organization providing domestic violence services, shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and economic empowerment programs.

Hotline: 773-776-1881  ·  Area: Southwest Side Chicago

Tip: Ask about bilingual services if Spanish is your primary language. Ask about economic empowerment and job readiness programs.

Family Rescue

South Side domestic violence organization — emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and long-term family support.

Hotline: 800-360-6619  ·  Area: South Side Chicago

Tip: Ask about legal advocacy and court accompaniment. If in immediate danger, call 911 first.

More mental health resources coming soon.

See the Available Everywhere section above for statewide mental health help.

Inspiration Corporation

Faith-inspired organization offering employment training, housing, meals, and social services for people facing homelessness, addiction recovery, or reentry challenges.

Phone: 773-878-0981  ·  Area: Chicago (Uptown & Near South Side)

Tip: Ask about culinary job training, housing, and social services. Meals and community support available regardless of program enrollment.

More youth resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding South Side organizations.

Metropolitan Family Services

Parenting education and child development support serving families across Brighton Park, Back of the Yards, Marquette Park, Chicago Lawn, and Ashburn.

Area: Brighton Park, Back of the Yards, Marquette Park, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn

Tip: Ask whether your ZIP code or neighborhood qualifies for services. Ask about parenting classes and home visits.

See the Available Everywhere section above for statewide insurance resources.

Senior resources coming soon.

Check back as we continue adding South Side organizations.

Matthew House Chicago

South Side faith-inspired organization providing daytime shelter, hot meals, case management, and housing support in Bronzeville.

Address: 3720 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60653  ·  Phone: 773-536-6628

Tip: Daytime meals and support open to all. Ask about housing navigation and case management. Bring ID if you have it.

Inspiration Corporation

Faith-inspired organization offering employment training, housing, meals, and social services for people facing homelessness, addiction recovery, or reentry challenges.

Phone: 773-878-0981  ·  Area: Chicago (Uptown & Near South Side)

Tip: Ask about culinary job training, housing, and social services. Meals and community support available regardless of program enrollment.