Social Services Resources
Chicago COVID Resource Finder
The Chicago COVID Resource Finder provides information on available assistance with money, food, housing, health, mental health, utilities and legal help during the pandemic.
Resources are available for families, immigrants, LGBTQI, business owners and students.
Text “covid” to (312) 436-2280 to access these resources via phone.
Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.
Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.
To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.
What the CTA is doing to mitigate risk during COVID-19.
Chinese American Service League
The Chinese American Service League (CASL) is a nonprofit agency with 40-plus years of experience educating youth, caring for seniors, training the workforce, placing immigrants on the path to citizenship and securing the housing and financial wellbeing for families and individuals in the Chicago Chinese community and beyond.
CASL has programs centered around children and youth development, senior wellness and independence, employment and financial empowerment, community and family wellbeing, Center for Social Impact and legal services.
City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center
Latest guidance and information on testing, public health department guidance, available resources, food, shelter and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Springfield COVID-19 Community Resources
The city of Springfield provides a list of community resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic, including public computer labs, mortgage and housing assistance, unemployment, rent assistance, virtual career support, emotional support, payment assistance and family assistance.
Community Action Agencies work with local community organizations and non-profit partners to provide assistance to Illinois families with items including:
- Rental Assistance
- Food
- Energy Utility Bill Assistance
- Water/Sewer Payment
- Employment Training/Placement
- Financial Management
- Temporary Shelter
This link provides a local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) search tool that can help you find programs in your area.
Community Housing Advocacy & Development (CHAD)
Community Housing Advocacy & Development (CHAD) is a nonprofit corporation that provides quality, affordable, long-term rental housing to income-qualifying, hardworking individuals and families who struggle to support themselves.
CHAD has over 500 housing units of all property types in 30 communities across DuPage, Kane, Will and portions of Cook counties in northeastern Illinois. Properties include apartment homes, condominiums, duplexes, townhouses, and single-family homes. CHAD offers below-market rents to income-qualified applicants.
Contact Ministries in Springfield
Contact Ministries is a non-profit, faith-based, social service organization serving the greater Springfield community. It provides free on-site support services and emergency shelter to single women, women with children, families and individuals in poverty.
Contact Ministries provides:
- Referrals
- Food and clothing
- Emergency shelter and transitional housing
- Financial assistance and other programs
Call Contact Ministries at (217) 753-3939.
CONTACT of Northern Illinois, a United Way of Northwest Illinois partner agency, is the central access point for people in need in Stephenson County.
(815) 233-4357

