Information from Family Voices on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for emergencies.

The Salvation Army of Decatur and Macon County offers services including a food pantry, youth programs, the Pathway of Hope program for single parents, homeless prevention emergency support, a men’s transitional shelter and more.

Contact the Salvation Army of Decatur at (217) 428-4672.

All In One Laundry Center & Services partners with the nonprofit Clean Slate Advocates to provide a low-cost laundry program for unhoused and low-income residents.

$1 per load wash n’ fold laundry service, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

801 South Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL

(217) 544-5058

Kumler Outreach Ministries provides help to neighbors who are struggling in the greater Springfield, Illinois area. Programs include a food pantry, medicine program, neighborhood gardens, free personal hygiene items, diapers and newborn items.

ComEd offers assistance programs and its Smart Assistance Manager tool (SAM) to help you find the right options. ComEd programs include free energy-saving products, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Low Income Discount (LID) program, payment and budget billing arrangements, and more.

If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless, call (217) 522-0048. For other housing-related needs, please call 211.

Together, Fifth Street Renaissance/Springfield AIDS Resource Association (SARA Center) in Springfield assists individuals and families in difficult situations in reclaiming their self-sufficiency and well-being. It provides resources, transitional housing, opportunities to develop job skills and education, and help in securing employment. The organization also helps individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS find affordable housing, medical assistance and counseling.

Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center programs include:

• Homeless prevention – provides rental, utility and support services to prevent homelessness
• Housing programs – provide safe housing to help individuals and families achieve stability and independence
• Youth service program – supports vulnerable youth as they transition from foster care to independence

For more information, call (217) 544-5040 or email info@fsr-sara.org.

The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities.

Use the DORS office locator to find an office near you or call:

• (877) 581-3690 Voice
• (866) 264-2149 TTY
• (312) 957-4881 (Please note this is a video phone number)

You can also apply online for DRS services.

Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education and the reduction of stigma. It offers evidence-informed training on the education and prevention of child sexual abuse, other forms of abuse and mandated reporting. Darkness to Light’s website also offers resources for parents and families to help protect the children in their lives.

For more information, email info@d2L.org or call (843) 965-5444.