RESOURCES
We provide these resources to the best of our knowledge as community partners’ services may change without us knowing.
WE'RE COMMITTED TO DISMANTLING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AND INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TO LONG-LASTING HOUSING SOLUTIONS
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HACC – Helping Citizens of Cook County Find a Home Phone: (312) 663-5447
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Rental Housing Programs – Community Partners for Affordable Housing
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Housing Opportunities Development Corporation Phone: 847-564-2900
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Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly Phone: (773) 921-3200
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SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY CALL CENTER 1-877-426-6515 Entry Point: Working Together. Help for Homelessness or in person at one of these locations: Entry Point: Connect
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Connections for the Homeless- Phone: 847-475-7070
HOUSING NEEDS FOR ADULTS
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311 City Services
Dial 311
If you are in need of an immediate shelter in the city of Chicago, call 311 to request assistance. -
Chicago Coordinated Entry System. Phone (312) 361-1707
If you are sleeping in a shelter, outside, in a vehicle, or in any place not meant for human habitation, call the Coordinated Entry Call Center to complete a housing assessment. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Please note: this may or may not lead to a housing option and does not solve your immediate housing crisis, but it will get you on a list to receive services. -
Suburban Cook County Call Center, Phone: (877) 426-6515
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Emergency Overnight Shelter | Housing Forward, Phone: 708-338-1724
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Various housing services including emergency shelter.
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JOURNEYS | The Road Home Phone: (847) 963-9163
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Connections for the Homeless Phone: (847) 475-7070
HOUSING NEEDS FOR YOUTH
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Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services, Phone: 877-870-2663
CCBYS works to help young people who are separated from their families. If you are under 18 and need a place to stay tonight call 877-870-2663. -
National Runaway Safeline, Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) works to keep young people who’ve run away or are experiencing homelessness safe and off the streets. If you are under 18 and need a place to stay tonight, call 1-800-RUNAWAY -
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The Harbour offers immediate, stable, and safe housing to youth and young mothers experiencing homelessness. We strive to promote safety, stability, and personal growth by providing services and support for long-term housing stability, continued education and employment, and individual counseling to help break the cycle of homelessness.
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SHELTERS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
If you are between 18 and 24, here are a few shelters just for young adults, that accept walk-ins:
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La Casa Norte,Phone (773) 276-4900
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“The Crib” at The Night Ministry, Phone (877) 286-2523
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A Safe Haven, Phone (773) 435-8300
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Ujima Village, Phone (312) 455-0007
EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR FAMILIES
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Family Promise Chicago Northshore - Multi-generational family shelter. Rotational 90-day shelter with Day center.
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Call: (847) 475-4500, Email: casemanager@familypromisechicagons.org
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Community Crisis Center, Phone (847) 697-2380
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Family Services - Maryville Academy, Phone:847-294-1999
1150 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL
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Levy Café-The Levy Senior Center in Evanston is serving hot meals Monday through Friday and 5-pack frozen meals on Tuesdays. Apply online to join the Senior Congregate Meal Program. To learn more, call the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250. View the March menu.
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Interfaith Action Lunch
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Northwest Compass: NorthWest Compass, Inc. 847-392-2344
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Open Communities is an operating member of the National Fair Housing Alliance – visit their site for great resources and education on fair housing.
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Several partner organizations provide similar services to Open Communities, though no two agencies are exactly alike. Open Communities serves the North and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. If you have experienced discrimination in a different part of the region, these organizations may be able to help:
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Many people facing discrimination may also be dealing with other issues, like an unjust eviction or retaliation from a landlord. Here are some resources that may be helpful in these situations:
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A "reasonable accommodation" is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. A “reasonable modification” is a physical alteration to the structure of a dwelling to achieve the same equal access to the person with a disability. Open Communities staff can educate both tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities, help to draft requests, advocate for housing providers, and bring enforcement measures when housing providers are violating the law.
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Reasonable Accommodations and Modification Resources
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Both tenants and landlords must keep in mind that rules differ based on your municipality within Cook County. Learn about the law in your area below:
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Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) Summary (for anyone in Suburban Cook County outside of the municipalities listed below)
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Cabrini Green Legal Aid Cabrini Green Legal Aid | Where Justice Has a Voice | Chicago
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CARPLS Home - CARPLS - 312-738-9200
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Center for Disability and Elder Law Center for Disability and Elder Law
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Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Law Center 1 (800) 940-1119- Works with folks who may become homeless, are currently homeless, or have recently experienced homelessness. Specialize in public benefits, school issues, housing, and more.
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Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) - Support and promote the voluntary pro bono legal representation of the Chicago area's poor and working poor.
312.332.1624 -
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt operates a hotline at: 855-956-5763
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Coordinated Advice & Referral Program (CARPLS) -312.738.9200
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Justice Entrepreneurship Project Find affordable lawyers in Chicago, IL | Justice Entrepreneurs Project (community.lawyer)
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Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Home - Land Of Lincoln (lincolnlegal.org)
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Lawyers Committee for Better Housing Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing | We provide FREE legal services to renters to help solve serious housing issues.
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Legal Aid Chicago Free Legal Services To People Living In Poverty - Legal Aid Chicago
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Moran Center About the Center - James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
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North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Home - North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
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Prairie State Legal Services Home - Prairie State Legal Services
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Brave Space Alliance
1-872-333-5199
Black-led & Trans-led org providing affirming, culturally competent, “for us, by us” resources in Chicago. -
The Center on Halsted
1-773-472-6469
The Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland. -
Howard Brown Health Center
1-773-388-1600
Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. -
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community. Trans Lifeline is run by and for trans people.
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The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. -
TaskForce Prevention & Community Services is a grassroots organization at 9 N. Cicero Ave. Its services range from housing support, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and mental health assistance to resume-building and its popular Vogue School.
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Trans Chicago Empowerment Center
Trans Chicago Empowerment Center is led by LGBTQ+ people of color and offers free HIV/STI testing as well as other affirming services for trans people.
The Trans Chicago Empowerment Center, 2753 W. Division St., is open 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and organizers can be reached at 773-698-7473. No appointments are necessary. -
Thrive with Pride by AgeOptions- AgeOptions hosts a free, monthly online event with expert presentations on topics of interest geared towards LGBT+ older adults and caregivers. Local partner sites facilitate their own follow-up events, providing a safe and welcoming space for older LGBT+ adults and caregivers to congregate.
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NAMI Chicago refers community members to over 700 resources through our free Helpline, open seven days a week. - 833-626-4244 Mental Health for Youth
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Mental Health information and resources for young people.
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Seize the Awkward
Helping young people talk about mental health.
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Mental Health Hotlines
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
988 is a three-digit dialing code that will connect callers in crisis to trained counselors who will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
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CARES & SASS
1-800-345-9049
Crisis hotline, mental health evaluation, and other services for youth and adults with Medicaid.
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Crisis Textline
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
LGBTQIA+
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Brave Space Alliance
1-872-333-5199
Black-led & Trans-led org providing affirming, culturally competent, “for us, by us” resources in Chicago. -
The Center on Halsted
1-773-472-6469
The Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland. -
Howard Brown Health Center
1-773-388-1600
Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. -
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community. Trans Lifeline is run by and for trans people. -
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
Veterans
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Make the Connection
Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery. -
The Road Home
(312) 942-8387 (VETS)
Or fill out the form here: Get Care
The Road Home Program is dedicated to the mental health and wellness of veterans, service members, members of the National Guard, reservists, and families at no cost and regardless of discharge status. -
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.
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Family Service Center- FSC provides high-quality therapeutic counseling for individuals and families Call for Services 847-251-7350
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Evanston Levy Café-The Levy Senior Center in Evanston is serving hot meals Monday through Friday and 5-pack frozen meals on Tuesdays. Apply online to join the Senior Congregate Meal Program. To learn more, call the Levy Senior Center front desk at 847-448-8250.
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CJE Senior Life- Identify and utilize resources and coordinate care to promote independence. Our experienced and compassionate social workers apply an individualized approach to assess the needs of older adults living in the community.
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Elderwerks- Senior living coordination, advocacy, and education
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Senior Helpers- Compassionate in-home care, specializing in Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, Parkinson's Care, Companion Care, Personal Care, Transitional Care, Chronic Disease Care, VA Benefit Assistance, Respite Care, Surgery Assistance, End-of-Life Support Care.
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The Alzheimer’s Association - Support for people living with early-stage dementia and families dealing with later stages of dementia
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Thrive with Pride by AgeOptions- AgeOptions hosts a free, monthly online event with expert presentations on topics of interest geared towards LGBT+ older adults and caregivers. Local partner sites facilitate their own follow-up events, providing a safe and welcoming space for older LGBT+ adults and caregivers to congregate.
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Housing Opportunities and Maintenace for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.)- Phone: (773) 921-3200 -
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North Shore Senior Center- Benefits Counseling, Caregiver Resource Center, Community Care Program Assessment, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, and Home Delivered Meals Assessments
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City of Evanston Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Surveillance High-Risk Populations
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Contact: Sarah Franks, DNP, BSN, RN 224.203.9309 sfranks@cityofevanston.org How I Help: I answer questions and address concerns regarding communicable disease in congregate care settings including skilled and long term care nursing facilities
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Eviction Prevention Resources:
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The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program helps tenants in eviction proceedings to get caught up on back rent. Note that landlords must consent to participate in the program and an eviction case must have already been filed in court to qualify.
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Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt operates a hotline at: 855-956-5763
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Coordinated Advice & Referral Program (CARPLS): 312.738.9200
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As funding changes, organizations have varying abilities to provide financial resources. The resources listed below may or may not have funding at the time of your call.
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SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY CALL CENTER 1-877-426-6515. This service can also be accessed through the website or in person at one of these locations: Entry Point: Connect
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311
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Call 773-779-6700 to get more info.
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Emergency Assistance by Housing Forward -Phone: 708-338-1724
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Homelessness Prevention & Emergency Assistance Program by Salvation Army Evanston - Call 847-866-9770 to get more info.
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Connections for the Homeless - Call 847-475-7070 to get more info.
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Jewish Child and Family Services: Home | JCFS 855-275-5237
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Northwest Compass: NorthWest Compass, Inc. 847-392-2344
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Center of Concern The Center of Concern | Nonprofit in Des Plaines, Illinois 847-823-0453
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Respond Now- Our Programs (708) 755-4357
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program – IHDA
Serves all of Illinois as of 01/2024.
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Between Friends
1-800-603-HELP (1-800-603-4357)
Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping communities in Chicago with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships. -
City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline
1-877-863-6338
The City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line is a 24-hour, toll-free confidential number that provides services and information for those experiencing domestic violence. -
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline
888-293-2080
Operating 24/7, the Rape Crisis Hotline provides survivors and their significant others immediate support, crisis intervention and referrals for the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. -
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and hotline—call for services and resources. -
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center -If you or a loved one has ever been sexually abused or assaulted, ZCenter offers free, confidential services in English and Spanish to support you, significant others, and non-offending loved ones on your healing journey.
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24-hour support line- (847) 872-7799
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Apna Ghar- Apna Ghar provides critical, comprehensive, culturally competent services, and conducts outreach and advocacy across communities to end gender violence
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24-HOUR CRISIS SUPPORT
Phone: (773) 334 4663 | Text: (773) 899 1041 | Email: help@apnaghar.org
4350 NORTH BROADWAY, 2ND FLOOR, CHICAGO IL 60613
MAIN: 773 883 4663 | SKOKIE: 847 983 4099 | SOUTHSIDE: 773 697 3272
@APNAGHARINC
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If you need immediate assistance please call the 24-hr. toll-free crisis line at 877.718.1868. If you need legal advocacy: 847.470.5052.
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For immediate assistance, call the 24 hour crisis hotline at 1-800-603-4357.
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Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
1-833-234-6343 or text HELP to 833234
The only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services in Illinois serving people using opioids and other substances, with or without insurance.
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PEER Services (“PEER”: Prevention, Education, Evaluation, Recovery) is a leading nonprofit substance use prevention and outpatient treatment provider, serving adolescents and adults in the northern suburbs and neighborhoods of Chicago. PEER provides treatment to all in need, regardless of their insurance status or financial circumstances.
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Call to set up an appointment- 847.492.1778
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Utilities
Home Maintenance Resources
Illinois:
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Community Partners for Affordable Housing Home Repairs and Improvements- Lake County, Evanston, Wilmette, and Northbrook
Cook County:
Chicago:
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National Housing Services of Chicago loan program
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Community Investment Corporation (loans for small rental properties)
North Shore & Lake County:
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Home Repairs & Improvements – Community Partners for Affordable Housing
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Rebuilding Together: 847-778-7469
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Code Violations in Evanston: Property Maintenance | City of Evanston Contact Evanston 311 by calling/texting 847-448-4311 or online
Federal:
Seniors:
Persons with Disabilities:
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Home Accessibility Program – Community Partners for Affordable Housing (Evanston and Lake County)(for lifts, ramps, and other accessibility improvements)
