St. Clair Resources
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.
Easterseals Respite Services for People With Disabilities
Easterseals offers respite services that allow both caregivers and the people for whom they’re caring the opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Their respite services are offered nationwide and designed to give caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of caregiving.
Respite programs include activities like support groups and retreats for caregivers, and sleepaway camps and overnight stays for the person receiving care. Visit the respite services section of the Easterseals website to find out more.
ARCH National Respite Network and Research Center provides a National Respite Locator on its website as well as additional resources for finding respite in your community.
The National Caregivers Library provides hundreds of articles, forms, checklists and links to topic-specific external resources for caregivers.
Family Caregiver Mental Health And COVID-19
It’s important for caregivers to take care of their own mental health. Supporting caregivers with information and resources can help them maintain their mental health and better support their loved ones.
Mental Health America provides these tips to help caregivers take care of their own physical and mental health.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a national nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease or the frailties old age.
CAN provides a Family Caregiver Toolbox on a variety of topics.