In Chicago
- If you are in need of shelter, call 311 or (312) 744-5000.
- Let them know that you are currently unsheltered and request shelter. Be prepared to share your name(s), contact information, location, and the size of your household.
- The operator will give you a Service Request Number (SRN). Write down this number and use to reference your request.
- They will work to locate the next available bed and arrange transportation to shelter. Shelters usually count available beds around 10am and 6pm every day.
- Be sure to answer their call when they call you back. If they make three unsuccessful attempts to contact you, your SRN will expire and you will have to start the process over.
- If possible, stay at the address that you gave to 311 until they can find a shelter placement for you.
- Shelter capacity is limited, so waiting times may be long (days or weeks). If you do not hear back within a few days, you call back to check your status or update your location, referencing your SRN.
- Single adults (ages 25 and older) can go to the 24/7 intake location, Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC), at 2241 S Halsted, Chicago, IL 60608. SPARC offers on-site assistance in accessing shelter, as well as some basic services, such as food, showers, and overflow shelter. Space is available for up to 200 people waiting for shelter placement, so if they are not already full, you will be able to wait there for placement in a shelter. This may be the most efficient way to get placed in a shelter because it is easy for them to get in touch with you once you are matched. Call (773) 526-3707 to see if SPARC has space.
- Families can go to the Salvation Army Emergency Assessment and Resource Center (EHARC) or Salvation Army Shield of Hope Center located at 924 N. Christiana, Chicago, IL 60651. Walk-ins for families are permitted at Shield of Hope, which offers temporary accommodations to families until they are referred to a program that best meets their needs.
- A “family” is defined by a family unit with at least one child under the age of 18 years old.
- Go to the nearest hospital, fire station, or police station and inform them that you are experiencing homelessness and need to find shelter.
Resources for youth and young adults:
- If you are 18 to 24, use the Streetlight app or website to find shelter and other resources.
- Under Illinois law, shelters for families, youth 18-24, and adults cannot serve unaccompanied young people under the age of 18. If you are under 18 and in need of shelter, you should contact a Comprehensive Community Based Youth Service Agency (CCBYS). CCBYS provides 24-hour crisis assistance to youth under 18 who have left home or have been kicked out. They are the only agencies with the ability to lawfully place minors in an emergency shelter. You can reach your local CCBYS 24/7 by calling 1-877-870-2663. (more information available on the Streetlight app or website).
For domestic violence assistance:
- Call the 24/7 DV Hotline operated by The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence at (877) 863-6338 (877-TO END DV).
In Suburban Cook County
South Suburban Public Action to Distribute Shelter (“South Surburban PADS”)
877-426-6515
950 W. 175th St. Homewood, IL 60430
In DuPage County
Call (630) 407-6500 or (800) 942-9412 to access DuPage County’s centralized intake and referral line from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
In Illinois
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) maintains a list of emergency and transitional housing providers and homeless prevention providers.
