Help
Homelessness isn’t a choice, but rather a journey that many people find themselves in. Being homeless, no matter how long it lasts, is a life-altering traumatic event that creates major stress in any person’s life. But you don’t need to go through it alone. We’re here to help.
- If you are homeless and need a place to live, call Chicago City Services at 311 or 312-744-5000 or reach out to the Coordinated Entry System at 312-361-1707. Tell the operator that you are homeless and in need of shelter. If you live in suburban Cook County, call 1-877-426-6515.
- If you have a place now, but are at risk of becoming homeless, call Chicago City Services at 311 or 312-744-5000. Tell the operator that you need short term help. You’ll be transferred to a Homelessness Prevention Call Center.
- If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need legal advice, call Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Law Project hotline, at 1-800-940-1119.
- If you need food, click here (link to https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/) to find food pantries, soup kitchens, mobile food distribution or shelter in Cook County from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
- If you are interested in signing up for SNAP benefits, text “Food” to 74544 to complete an eligibility screener over text message from our partner, mRelief.
- If you are in need of treatment for a substance abuse disorder, call 833-234-6343 or text “HELP” to 833234 to access medication assisted recovery through our partner, Family Guidance Centers.
- If you’re unhoused and looking to reconnect with family, or just need a friend to talk to, call 1-800-MISS-YOU to access family reunification services or find a phone buddy through our partner, Miracle Messages.
- If you want to develop job skills and workforce readiness or are looking for a job, apply to join our friends at Cara Collective by clicking here
- If you are interested in coaching on financial, employment, and resource mobilization goals that enhance lives, training, and skill enhancement opportunities, sign up for free, bilingual programs with our partner, Center for Changing Lives (CCL) by clicking here
If you need a wide range of assistance, visit your nearest DFSS Community Service Center, weekdays from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Drop in or schedule an appointment to find a range of resources, including shelter, food, clothing, domestic violence assistance, job training/placement, and services for the formerly incarcerated. You can also get information about rental, utility, and other financial assistance programs. The facilities also serve as Warming and Cooling Centers during periods of extreme weather.
- Community Service Center Locations: North Area 312-744-2580 845 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
- South Chicago 312-747-0500 8650 S. Commercial Ave., Chicago, IL 60617
- Trina Davila 312-744-2014 4312 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
- Englewood Center 312-747-0200 1140 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620
- Garfield Center 312-746-5400 10 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
- King Center 312-747-2300 4314 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653