Social Services Resources
City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center
City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center provides the latest guidance and information on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, public health department guidance and other available resources.
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.
Community Resources Compilation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides this list of community partners to help Illinois residents find food pantries, utility assistance, rental assistance, emergency housing, mortgage assistance, veterans assistance and more.
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
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) provides free Conversation Guides to help you have the conversation with a family member, friend, or other loved one about your – or their – wishes regarding end-of-life care and other topics.
IHI Conversation Guides can be downloaded for free. Other topics include:
- Choosing a Health Care Proxy
- Talking with my Child Living with Serious Illness
- Geting the Most out of my Next Medical Appointment (for older adults and caregivers)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important Information about Social Security Services
Information from the Social Security Administration
COVID Rent and Utility Assistance Programs in Lake County
Community Partners for Affordable Housing has information on emergency rent and utility assistance programs to help Lake County, Illinois households whose incomes have decreased due to COVID-19. Their website outlines the different programs and provides eligibility guidelines.
If you need help submitting your application, accessing computer equipment, are unsure which program may be better for you or have other questions, please contact Emergency Assistance Coordinator, Toni Martinez, at tmartinez@cpahousing.org or (847) 263-7478 ext 30.