Family Help Guide

If your family is going through it right now — this page is for you.
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Pick your most urgent need and move from there.

Start Here: What Do You Need Most Right Now?

Be honest with yourself. Pick the one that’s most urgent:


  • Safety — You or your kids are not safe at home

  • Childcare — You need someone to watch your kids so you can work, go to appointments, or just breathe

  • Counseling / Mental Health — Stress, trauma, family conflict, or feeling like you’re drowning

  • Parenting Support — You need guidance, classes, or someone in your corner

  • Basic Needs — Food, housing, or bills are tied to your family situation

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start with one.

Step 1: Say It Out Loud Before You Call Anyone

Before you pick up the phone, know exactly what you’re asking for. Staff will redirect you fast if you’re not clear — and not always in the right direction.

Practice saying one of these:

  • “I need emergency childcare so I can keep my job”
  • “I need a safe place for me and my children”
  • “I need family counseling — we’re going through a lot right now”
  • “I need parenting classes or support groups in Chicago”

✦ The clearer you are, the faster they can actually help you.

Step 2: Call ONE Place First (Not Five)

Calling multiple places at once feels productive but usually creates confusion. Start with one.

When you call, ask these exact questions:

  • What services do you offer for families?
  • Do I qualify based on my zip code or income?
  • Is there a waitlist — and how long?
  • Can I walk in or do I need an appointment?
  • What documents do I need to bring?

✦ Write down the answers. Don’t trust your memory when you’re stressed.

Step 3: What to Bring (This Is Where People Get Stuck)

Most people get turned away because of missing paperwork — not because they don’t qualify.

ID

  • Driver’s license or state ID (not expired)
  • If expired → ask if they still accept it. Many will.
  • No ID? Bring: birth certificate + Social Security card

Proof of Address

  • Utility bill, lease, or official mail (last 30–60 days)
  • No address? Ask if they accept a shelter letter or program letter

For Your Children

  • Birth certificates
  • School records (if you have them)
  • Medical cards (helpful but not always required)

Income Proof (if applying for assistance)

  • Pay stubs, benefits letter, or a written statement if you have no income

✦ Bring everything you have. Too much is always better than not enough.

Step 4: If You Don’t Have What They Ask For — Don’t Leave

This is where most people give up. Don’t.

What You’re Missing What To Do
No ID Go to DMV → get a state ID. Ask if they accept temp documents in the meantime
No address Use a shelter letter, friend’s address, or ask the program what they accept
No phone Use a library phone or get a free Google Voice number
No transportation Ask: “Do you offer bus cards or transportation assistance?” — many do
No income proof Ask if a written self-declaration is accepted

✦ There is almost always a workaround. Ask before you walk out.

Step 5: Go Early. Be Ready to Wait.

  • Go when they open — morning is always best
  • Bring documents organized in a folder
  • Bring snacks and something for your kids if they’re coming with you
  • Some places stop taking new people mid-day even if they’re technically still open

✦ Showing up prepared tells them you’re serious. It also protects your time.

Step 6: Write Everything Down

Every time you contact a program, write:

  • Name of person you spoke with
  • Phone number and extension
  • What they told you to do next
  • Appointment date and time
  • Any reference or case numbers

✦ This saves you from starting over every time you call back.

Step 7: If Something Feels Off — Trust That

If a staff member rushes you, talks down to you, or can’t explain what you’re supposed to do next:

  • Stay calm and ask again: “Can you explain that one more time?”
  • Ask for a supervisor or a different staff member
  • Try a different location or program

You are allowed to:

  • Ask questions
  • Take your time
  • Expect clear answers
  • Be treated with respect

✦ Being in need does not mean being powerless.

Step 8: Before You Leave — Ask for More

Right before you walk out the door, say this:

“Is there anything else you can connect me to?”

You might get access to:

  • Emergency food boxes
  • Rental or utility help
  • Free legal aid
  • Mental health referrals
  • Childcare vouchers

✦ Programs are connected. One door can open several.

Step 9: Follow Up — This Is Where Most People Stop

  • If you don’t hear back in a week, call them
  • Show up to every appointment, even if you’re unsure
  • If one place says no, try the next

✦ One “no” does NOT mean no help exists.

Real Talk (Don’t Skip This)

  • You might get turned away the first time. That happens.
  • Some staff will assume you already know the system. You don’t have to pretend you do.
  • The process can feel slow, cold, and frustrating.
  • That does NOT mean it’s not working.

Stay consistent. Show up. Follow up. Ask again.

Getting help for your family is not weakness — it’s exactly what a strong parent does.

You found this page for a reason.

That means you’re already doing something right.
Now take one step — just one — and build from there.
We’re rooting for you.

Scroll to Top