Not sure where to turn? Call 2-1-1, Cook County and City of Chicago’s new social services hotline. 211 is available 24/7 in English and Spanish via phone, text (send your zip code to 898-211), online chat, or browse their database of services at www.221metrochicago.org.
Renters
Chicago Residential Heat Ordinance
Chicago’s Heat Ordinance requires that buildings keep residential units at or above 66 degrees overnight (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 68 degrees during the day (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Violations of the heat ordinance are taken very seriously. Please call 311 to file a complaint and arrange for an inspector to investigate.
– Report Heating Issues by calling 311 or visiting 311.chicago.gov
City of Chicago – Department of Housing – Know your Rights: Eviction & Lockout Resources
Homeowners
City of Chicago Utility Billing Relief Program
Property Tax Appeals
Homeowners can appeal their property tax assessments each year via the Cook County Assessor’s Office or through their local Cook County Commissioner’s office.
There are a number of exceptions available as well. You can review exemptions at the link above and apply for any that you qualify for. If you have questions, you can reach out to the Assessor’s office or your local Commissioner:
– Assessor – (312) 443-7550
– 12th District, Commissioner Degnan – (773) 283-7873
– 8th District, Commissioner Vasquez – (312) 603-6386
Emergency Heating Repair Program
The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides service grants to assist income-eligible, owner-occupants of 1-to-4-unit properties with emergency heating system replacements or repairs during the winter season.
The EHRP through the City of Chicago is open on a first-come, first-served basis via limited application window each year. The program typically begins accepting applications on November 1. Please follow the link above for more information.
Seniors
Chicago Senior Services Hotline: 312.744.4016
Illinois Senior Helpline: 800.252.8966
Senior Case Management Services
Metropolitan Family Services: Below is the list of services the organization offers. To request these services, contact the organization’s intake line at 773-371-3745
- Adult Protective Services investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors ages 60 and older and adults with disabilities. When abuse is substantiated, interventions are planned with the victim, family and others to reduce risk of further harm. Legal and senior self-neglect services are offered at certain locations.
- Family Caregiver Support groups give children of aging parents, spouses and long-distance caregivers of seniors older than 60 or adults with Alzheimer’s or Dementia an opportunity to share caregiving concerns, learn to balance their needs with those of their loved ones, manage stress, feel supported by others who share their journey, and get helpful tips and resources.
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren helps mobilize support services for older caregivers who are raising children and assists in future planning including assessment, referrals, support and educational groups, and in certain instances family and individual counseling.
- Older Caregivers Project helps older caregivers plan for children’s long-term care (permanency planning). It aids families in establishing a stronger support system through case management and linkages to community resources, ensures the well-being and safety of the children and caregivers, and provides a recommendation regarding the permanency of the children.
- Senior Counseling helps physically, emotionally and/or economically vulnerable older adults function as independently as possible. It includes in-home or office assessments, family and individual counseling, support groups, case management and links to resources.
- Senior Homeowners Program serves low- to moderate-income homeowners age 60 or older who have difficulty maintaining their homes. The program provides referrals to reputable home repair contractors and links seniors to city departments and programs to help maintain their property. We also conduct workshops on topics such as reducing consumer fraud.
Home Repairs for Seniors
Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) provides safety, security, and accessibility improvements in the dwellings of eligible seniors so that seniors may remain in their homes and improve their quality of life.
Eligible improvements:
- Safety devices: fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectorso
- Minor floor and step repairs
- Repair & replacement of locking hardware on doors
- Grab bars, transfer benches & tub assist bars in bathrooms
- Chair-height toilets
- Accessible faucets
- Handrails
- Handheld showers
Eligibility Requirements
Senior citizens,60 years or older, who meet HUD income eligibility guidelines. For example, $58,250 maximum for a family or household of 2 (But call to verify maximum income for your household.)
Owners or renters (with landlord’s permission), living in single family homes or multi-family buildings from1-4 units
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY CALL MISTY LEBLANC, (773)929-5552 ext. 2235
Free Legal Services for Seniors
Call 312-744-4016 to schedule an intake interview with Department of Family & Support Services, Senior Services Division.
Winter Weather
Bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Share the Warmth program. To see if they are eligible and apply, Peoples Gas customers can call the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332, or go to cedarorg.net. Peoples Gas will also work with any customer to arrange a payment plan that best fits their needs, and to set up Budget Billing that keeps bills stable from month to month. Customers can call Peoples Gas or go to peoplesgasdelivery.com to discuss options.
Customers can take steps to manage their energy use by turning down their thermostats, using programmable thermostats, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and scheduling an annual furnace tuneup. Peoples Gas also offers free energy efficiency consultations. For more low and no cost energy-saving tips, go to peoplesgasdelivery.com/savings. Residents who purchase an Energy Star smart thermostat through December 31, 2021 can receive a $100 rebate from ComEd. For more information on receiving this rebate, go to the ComEd Smart Thermostat Rebates page. Click here to read more about your rights as a utility customer and ways to save on heating costs this winter courtesy of the Citizens Utility Board.
Budget Billing: Pay the same amount each month with Budget Billing. The billing program spreads out seasonal variations in your Peoples Gas bill over 12 months. While you still pay for all of the natural gas you actually use, Budget Billing provides consistent bills throughout the year. For more information and to enroll, go to peoplesgasdelivery.com/payment-bill/budget.
City Warming Centers
When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends and holidays. View locations and more information here.
The Department of Water Management Offers Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is reminding residents to take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing and causing costly damage to homes. As temperatures drop for more prolonged periods of time, the greater the chance that pipes will freeze and rupture.
The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) encourages residents to act now to make sure pipes in homes are properly insulated and not exposed to freezing air. Specifically, homeowners should:
- Maintain adequate heat in their homes.
- Insulate pipes, particularly those outside or on the perimeter of the residence.
- Run a trickle of cold water on each floor of the home at the points furthest from the location of the main water service into the home.
- Make sure that there is warm air circulating in any area where there are water pipes. This includes garages and unheated areas of the home.
- Remove all garden hoses from hose bibs and cover the bibs with Styrofoam hose bib insulating caps.
If pipes do freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad.
Visit www.cityofchicago.org/water for more tips on how to prevent frozen pipes.
Organizations with Programs for Young People
Hana Center
Communities United
Good Kids Mad City
Youth Opportunities (Scholarships and Work Programs)
Parks District Youth Jobs
One Summer Chicago
My Chi My Future
Good Kids Mad City
Food Pantries
New Life Church
3729 W Leland Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(312) 489-8861
Food Distribution Hours:
1st Tuesday of the Month: 4pm-6pm
Albany Park Food Pantry
3523 W Wilson Ave
(773) 478-7941
Food Distribution Hours:
Wednesday: 9 am-11am
The Friendship Center
2711 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 907-6388
Food Distribution Hours:
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 12pm-4pm
Tuesday: 3pm-7pm
Anthem Church
3850 W. Montrose Ave
(773) 270-0113
Food Distribution Hours:
3rd Saturday of the Month: 10 am-12pm
Irving Park Community Food Pantry
4256 N. Ridgeway Ave
(773) 283-6296
Food Distribution Hours:
2nd Tuesday of the month: 6pm-7pm
Wednesday: 9 am-12pm
Tabor Church
3542 W Sunnyside Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
Contact/Ilamando:
Pastor Ramirez (630) 551-5875
Lakeview Pantry – Sheridan Market
3945 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 525-1777
Food Distribution Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 11am – 3pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 4pm – 7pm
Mutual Aid near you: Groceries, Food delivery, materials, and more…
Mutual Aid Networks serving 33rd Ward Residents
If you are in need of food/groceries pick up or delivery, supplies (i.e., medicine, cleaning products, etc) information about financial assistance, mental health care, or you are generally having trouble, click below to request support by reaching out to one of the neighborhood Mutual Aid groups listed below.
Albany Park
Call: (312) 854-9741 or log on to Albanyparkmutualaid.com
Irving Park
Call: (708) 966-9752 or e-mail IrvingParkMutualAid@gmail.com
Avondale
Call (708) 620-7941 or log on to https://www.avondalemutualaid.org/espanol/english-home/
Services Available to Immigrants
HEALTH
Community Health // provides medical services in English, Spanish and Polish to low-income Chicago residents who are uninsured. You may call 773-395-9900 or log on to their website.
Cook County Health (CCH) // Treats undocumented people living within Cook county. CCH is a public health system with a program called CareLink, for people who are uninsured or undersinsured, including undocumented immigrants. Many CareLink recipients are undocumented. CareLink is accepted in all health clinics and hospitals within CCH. Individuals receiving CareLink do not have to worry about any medical bills.
Planned Parenthood // delivers reproductive health care even if you are uninsured, underinsured or undocumented. To learn more you may call 1-800-230-7526 or log on their website.
Free Clinics Near You
Heartland Health Center – Albany Park // 3737 W. Lawrence Avenue // (773) 366-7777
Erie Foster Avenue Health Center // 5215 N California Ave, 7 Fl // (312) 666-3494
Erie Helping Hands Health Center // 4747 N Kedzie Ave // (312) 666-3494
If you see something that you believe may be an ICE raid or action in our community call 855-435-7693
Protecting Immigrant Workers
If you have DACA and you are out of a job due to COVID-19, you are entitled to apply for unemployment insurance. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights created this infographic for workers with DACA.
INFORMATION ON BENEFITS FOR IMMIGRANTS
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) put together this guide to answer questions regarding federal, state and other benefits and how they apply to immigrants.
Apply for Public Benefits Programs for Seniors & Low Income Families
COVID-19 Testing
GET TESTED
Swedish Hospital
Drive Through COVID-19 Testing Tent
2899 W. Carmen Ave.
Chicago IL 60625
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
Call 773-907-7700 to schedule an appointment
Medicare & Medicaid
Click the links below to view a guide that covers answers to questions that Medicare recipients may have regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and coverage: retireguide.com/medicare/coverage/services/preventive/vaccines/covid-19/
Informational page about Medicare below: retireguide.com/medicare/
Food for you and your family
LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES
- Albany Park Food Pantry // At Christ Lutheran Church (3253 W Wilson Ave), open on Wednesdays, 9AM-11AM, if you cannot make these times call Pastor Tom at 773-478-7941
- Drake Gardens // Several volunteers have set up a shed at Drake Garden (4643 N Drake) with food for any neighbors who need food. It is regularly filled and you may stop by at your convenience.
- Find a food pantry near you to pick up groceries for free on the Greater Chicago Food Depository website. Most sites will offer free delivery to seniors.
- Supplemental Assistance for Needy Families (SNAP): An emergency coronavirus bill, will suspend the work and work training requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the New York Times. Stay tuned for updates. Meanwhile, you can apply here for SNAP assistance.
- Lakeview Pantry – Sheridan Market: 3945 N. Sheridan Rd, (773) 525-1777
- Food Distribution Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 11am – 3pm, Tuesday & Thursday: 4pm – 7pm
Housing
- Individuals seeking Housing Case Management services can connect visit Lakeview Pantry at 3945 N. Sheridan Rd on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays between 11am-2pm.
Mental Health Services
Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago.
- CDPH Resources
- City of Chicago STI Specialty Clinics
- City of Chicago Mental Health Centers
- City of Chicago Mental Health Website
- City of Chicago Opioid Resource Dashboard
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
- Illinois Mental Health Phone Numbers
- Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803
- Trevor Project | 866-488-7386 | Text START to 678678 | Trans lifeline at: 1-877-565-8860
- If you are an LGBTQ+ youth (up to age 25) experiencing suicidal thoughts, or in distress, contact the Trevor Lifeline.
- Crisis Text Line Text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
- Thresholds Mobile Crisis Response Team: Free, peer-led crisis response team that is available 24/7. They can be reached at (773) 572-5464.
- Trilogy First-response Alternative Crisis Team (FACT): Call (800) 322-8400 for immediate assistance.
Mental Health Resources for Veterans
According to Science Direct, over 1 in 10 male veterans are depressed. And, female veterans face an even higher rate of depression at 15%. Along with this, major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is 3-5 times more likely to occur for those with PTSD.
Inland Empire TMS is dedicated to raising awareness on mental health. They have created a resource page on veterans and depression to educate communities and provide treatment options which you can see here: https://inlandempiretms.com/veterans-and-depression/
Medication Assisted Recovery – Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) announced the launch of MAR NOW (Medication Assisted Recovery), a new pilot program to offer immediately available medication to Chicagoans to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
The MAR NOW hotline (833-234-6343) will allow people to talk directly with a treatment provider, and receive a prescription over the phone, or get a same day appointment.
Oak Street Health – Become a Patient
The Living Room – Forever Hope – alternatives to traditional psychiatric hospitalization
Forever Hope is part of the Peer Success Program and is based off of the Living Room model of crisis recovery. As the name suggests, Living Rooms are homey, quiet, safe spaces for those experiencing a mental health crisis to get relief. The Living Room model is unique in that it is staffed entirely by peers – people in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use. Living Rooms are meant as alternatives to traditional psychiatric hospitalization. The goal is to link someone in crisis with a peer specialist who can utilize their special skills, trauma informed practices, and personal recovery stories to help others along their own journeys with mental illness. The Living Room staff includes Qualified Mental Health Practitioners, who are also in recovery, to help ensure our guests are safe during and after their visit. Our skilled team de-escalates in a way that confirms our guests’ autonomy, empowers them, and inspires hope. We utilize recovery oriented, person first language in all our endeavors.
Forever Hope is available to adults 18 and older who are in a mental health crisis. Our center is ideal for anyone experiencing extreme anxiety, severe depression, distressing voices, thoughts of harm, etc. This program is not ideal for someone who needs immediate medical attention or for someone behaving violently. We will serve people who are intoxicated as long as they are sober enough to have a productive conversation with staff. Walk-ins are welcome though we encourage you to call ahead first. There is a capacity to serve 3 – 4 guests at any one time, depending on the number of staff on shift. Feel free to forward this email and the attached flyers to your fellow peers and please reach out to us with any questions or referrals!
· Living Room address: 4423 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago IL, 60640
· Hours: 2 pm – 9 pm, with our last guest accepted at 8 pm
· Living Room phone #: ( 773)-537-3601
· Open Monday’s – Friday’s including holidays that fall during the week
· The Living Room is free, no insurance or income requirements
Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund
Mortgage or Property Tax Assistance program opens April 11, 2022!
Illinois homeowners who have fallen behind on payments due to the pandemic will be able to seek support from Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). In order to apply, you must have a certificate from a HUD-certified housing counselor or a letter from your mortgage servicer detailing efforts to resolve your delinquency. Find a HUD-certified housing counselor at: https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf#locator-map
Emergency Rental Assistance
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, directly related to the prevention of homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit.
Who Can Receive These Services?
Persons who may be eligible include households that are in immediate risk of homelessness. The household must document a temporary economic crisis beyond its control and must be able to demonstrate an ability to meet the prospective rental obligations after the assistance has been granted based on current or anticipated income.
At the moment, the way to receive this service is by applying at one of of the 6 Community Service Centers located at:
- Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620, 312-747-0200
- Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-746-5400
- King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653, 312-747-2300
- North Area, 845 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, 312- 744-2580
- South Chicago, 8650 S. Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, 312-747-0500
- Trina Davila, 4312 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639, 312-744-2014
More information below.
Help Illinois Family — People’s Gas Program 2022
People’s Gas payment options and shutoff information
Utility Bill Relief (UBR)
CEDA Energy Services & Home Weatherization Flyer
North River Commisssion (NRC) local business services
NORTH RIVER COMMISSION (NRC) // Contact NRC if your local business is in need of support, Mon – Fri, 9AM–5PM (773) 478-0202 or via e-mail at info@northrivercommission.org
Need help with your pets?