Resource Directory /

Chicago Resources

  • WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food Database

    The WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food Database connect people in need across the United States to food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meal sites, government nutrition programs, and grassroots organizations that provide access to free food and support services. You can:

    • Call (800) 5-HUNGRY
    • Text your zip code to (800) 548-6479
    • Use the online form on the WhyHunger website to find local emergency food providers and other support services

  • Chicago Help Initiative

    The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) provides meals and access to social services to Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and economic insecurity. CHI offers Wednesday dinners, adult learning, one-on-one tutoring, a job club, arts and culture outings, and the New Foundations program to help guests apply for and connect with key services, benefits and supports that improve the quality of their lives.

    CHI also offers this Resource Guide to provide crucial information on food, shelter and help for those in immediate need.

    Contact CHI using the online form.

    The Chicago Help Initiative office is located at 440 N Wells St., Ste. 440, Chicago, IL 60654.

    For more details, call (312) 448-0045.

  • National Federation of the Blind

    The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people in the United States. NFB helps create a wide range of opportunities for children and adults who are blind in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, Braille certification, parent support and resources, training, employment, technology and more.

    A small sampling of NFB resources includes:

    For more information, contact NFB at (410) 659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org

    There is also an Illinois chapter. Visit the National Federation of the Blind in Illinois website, call (312) 343-8396, or email  president@nfbofillinois.org.

  • Illinois Autism Insurance Coalition

    The Illinois Autism Insurance Coalition provides resources for consumers, providers, clinicians, employers and educators on issues related to medical insurance coverage for behavioral health services for autism, developmental disabilities and mental health conditions in Illinois.

    Coalition resources include:

    For more information, contact the Illinois Autism Insurance Coalition at (614) 565-5765 or help@ilasd.com.

  • Illinois Department of Human Services Find Food Website

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Find Food website offers a list of advocacy, education, and social support services, as well as links to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Illinois. IDHS Find Food resources include:

    You can contact the IDHS Helpline at:

    • 1 (800) 843-6154
    • 1(866) 324-5553 TTY

  • The Early Years Project

    The Early Years Project is a free online toolkit from the Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program featuring easy-to-follow videos, activities and resources. Parents, caregivers, and educators can use these materials to help foster sensory development in young children, from birth to 6 years old.

    The Early Years Project toolkit aims to supplement home visiting and early education programs. It includes information on developmental milestones, activities, resources and more in four areas:

    • Hearing
    • Vision
    • Communication
    • Language

  • Helping Hand

    Helping Hand is a nonprofit organization empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicagoland through person-centered education, therapy, residential and employment programs.

    Helping Hand programs and services, include:

    • An outpatient clinic
    • School
    • Community day services
    • Residential living services
    • Employment program

    For more information, call (708) 352-3580 or email info@helpinghand-il.org.