Marion Resources
Illinois CARES Line (24/7)
If your child is a risk to themselves or others, having a mental health crisis, or if you would like a referral to services for children, youth and families, call the 24-hour Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line to talk to a mental health professional.
The CARES line is part of the Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program.
Call: (800) 345-9049
TTY: (773) 523-4504
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 listing of local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that can help you find programs in your area.
Homeless Assistance Community Contacts
Illinois has many designated Continuum of Care agencies in local communities that can help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to find affordable housing in local communities.
School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents
The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (Supporting the Eduction of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness) provides this information for families experiencing homelessness who have children with special needs.
This brief discusses common concerns and offers resources for additional assistance.
Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois
The Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.
Contact a Homeless Prevention Provider from the list to receive services.
Emergency and Transitional Housing Program
The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program in Illinois gives immediate and comprehensive shelter services to people who are homeless and people at risk of becoming homeless. Services are provided at shelters run by nonprofit organizations and local governments. for more information, see the Emergency and Transitional Housing Provider List.
Equip for Equality has a toll-free Special Education Helpline to help families get appropriate education services for their children. The Helpline can assist by providing:
- Someone to talk to about your questions and concerns
- Information sheets on frequently asked questions
- Sample letters and forms
- Referrals
- Other assistance as needed
Contact the Helpline at 1-866-KIDS-046 (1-866-543-7046) or specialed@equipforequality.org.
This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.
Coloring Pages for Caregivers
UIC’s Division of Specialized Care for Children has created adult coloring pages to help caregivers relieve stress and practice mindfulness. Four designs are available in English and Spanish:
Lighthouse (Lighthouse Spanish)
Sunflowers (Sunflowers Spanish)
Easterseals compiled this list of apps to help manage some of the daily tasks of caregiving.