I need protection from extreme weather.
Find Chicago warming and cooling options when cold, heat, or severe weather makes being outside unsafe.
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Community Resources
Practical help. Helpful connections. Resources for our community.
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Emergency Resources
Choose the need that best matches your situation to connect with current guidance and agencies that can help.
In Chicago, call 311 or (312) 744-5000 for shelter assistance.
Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness is not itself a housing or shelter provider. These links connect people to agencies and resources that can help.
I need emergency shelter.
Learn how to request shelter in Chicago and find shelter access information for nearby counties and Illinois.
In Chicago, call 311 or (312) 744-5000.
I am experiencing or experienced domestic violence.
Connect with confidential, around-the-clock domestic violence support and shelter resources.
24/7 DV Hotline: (877) 863-6338. In immediate danger, call 911.
I am homeless and need housing.
Explore Chicago's Coordinated Entry System and ways to complete a housing assessment for affordable or subsidized housing opportunities.
I need public benefits.
Get guidance on assistance programs including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, WIC, and SSI, plus help with applications or lost benefits.
I need emergency financial assistance, including rental assistance.
Find one-time emergency and rental assistance resources for Chicago and suburban Cook County residents facing financial crisis or eviction.
I am a youth experiencing homelessness.
Connect with crisis intervention, shelter, counseling, referrals, and youth-focused resource guides.
Ages 11–17 can call CCBYS at (877) 870-2663 for shelter connection.
I need legal services.
Find free help with education, benefits, identification, family law, housing, civil rights, and other legal needs.
CCH Law Project: (800) 940-1119, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
I need an identification document (ID).
Follow practical steps for obtaining an Illinois state ID when other identification documents are missing.
I need food.
Nourishing Hope connects Chicago neighbors with nutritious groceries through markets and pantries, online ordering, eligible home delivery, and social services.
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Ways CCH Can Help
Explore legal assistance, direct mutual aid, youth resources, and college support from Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness.
Law Project
Free legal services for adults, young people, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Toll-free helpline: (800) 940-1119.
Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund
A low-barrier, biannual $500 cash grant program supporting short-term needs for Illinois individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Streetlight Chicago
A free website and app connecting young people ages 14–24 with current shelter, drop-in center, health care, food, and other resources.
College Scholarships
Renewable college awards for eligible graduating high school seniors who succeeded in school while experiencing homelessness.