CCH is not a housing or shelter provider. Click the links below to find people and agencies who can help.
Need Help?
Resources are available to help navigate homelessness and housing instability.
Emergency Resources
For Shelter Care and Other Chicago-Based Services: Call 311
I need protection from extreme weather.
When temperatures are 32ºF or below, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) activates warming areas. Cooling areas are activated when the City’s emergency response plan is in place or when it’s very hot. These centers typically operate Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
I need emergency shelter.
If you are in Chicago and need shelter, call 311 or (312) 744-5000. Shelter capacity is limited, so waiting times may be long (days or weeks). If you do not hear back within a few days, you can call back to check your status or update your location.
I am experiencing or experienced domestic violence.
For domestic violence assistance, call the 24/7 DV Hotline at (877) 863-6338 (877-TO END DV).
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
I am homeless and need housing.
The Coordinated Entry System (CES) connects people who are experiencing homelessness to affordable and subsidized housing opportunities in Chicago. Anyone experiencing homelessness can complete a housing assessment by going to an In Person Access Point or calling the Phone Access Point at (312) 971-4178.
I need public benefits.
Public benefits are statewide assistance programs that help people access basic necessities. They include SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, WIC, and SSI. The CCH Law Project can provide assistance with the application process or loss of benefits.
I need emergency financial assistance, including rental assistance.
One-time emergency assistance is available to Chicago residents facing economic crisis or imminent eviction through the Homeless Prevention Program and Emergency Rental Assistance Program. For suburban Cook County, the Homeless Prevention Call Center handles calls related to rent, security deposits, utilities, and mortgage assistance.
I am a youth experiencing homelessness.
If you are under 11-17 years old, call the CCBYS number to get connected to shelter: (877)-870-2663.
Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) is a program that provides 24-hour crisis intervention, individual and family counseling, outreach, emergency shelter, information and referral, and linkage to other agencies.
I need legal services.
Individuals experiencing homelessness can call the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness Law Project at (800) 940-1119, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, for FREE legal assistance.
I need an identification document (ID).
Getting an Illinois ID card when you don’t have other identification documents may seem impossible because you need those documents to get a state ID, but we’re here to help! In most cases, you will want to follow four essential steps.
I need food.
For food resources statewide, visit Illinois Hunger and Benefits Resources. For food resources in Chicago, including pantries and assistance applying for SNAP/Link, visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website.
Ways CCH Can Help
Hover over each card to view description.
LAW PROJECT
Law Project
CCH’s Law Project provides free legal services to adults, youth, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For assistance, call our toll-free helpline: 1 (800) 940-1119.
EDRIKA FULFORD MUTUAL AID FUND
Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund
Our low-barrier mutual aid fund addresses the short-term needs of Illinois individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This biannual $500 cash grant program opens in the fall and winter. Once applications have been reviewed, recipients are chosen by lottery.
STREETLIGHT CHICAGO
Streetlight Chicago
Streetlight Chicago is a free app and website with up-to-date resources for young people experiencing housing instability. We provide information on accessing shelters, drop-in centers, health care, food, and much more.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
College Scholarships
CCH’s college scholarship program provides renewable awards of $4,000 to graduating high school seniors who succeeded in school while experiencing homelessness. Students from Chicago and suburban schools are eligible to apply as well as CCH youth leaders and former youth legal clients.
