General Resources
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.
Community Alternatives Unlimited
Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) provides a wide range of services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as programs to help economically challenged families with health and wellness during pregnancy and birth.
CAU provides residents of the city of Chicago (north side), several northern suburbs and Lake County with services and programs that include:
- Interview for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS)
- Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) and determinations for eligibility for services
- Individual services and supports
- Connecting new mothers to appropriate medical care, eligible public benefits, support services and community resources
- Information and referral regarding prenatal care, checkups and immunizations, breastfeeding, infant development, family planning and parenting
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 owns, leases and manages over 500 units in 175 properties in 30 west suburban communities that represent a range of affordable housing opportunities including single-family homes, duplexes, apartments and townhomes and provides professional property management services to over 1,100 residents. CHAD offers below-market rents to income-qualified applicants.
Community Online Resource Directory
The Community Online Resource Directory allows you to search for agencies and programs by county, category, agency or by keywords for the following counties: Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Moultrie and Shelby.
CommunityGlo is a free hot meal program dedicated to serving Knox County.
Meals are served one night a week. There are no eligibility requirements to use the program to receive meals.
To sign-up for meals, email communityglo61401@gmail.com or call (309) 299-1802. For more details, visit the CommunityGlo Facebook page.
Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)
Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) serves youth ages 11 to 17 who are involved in the legal system or at risk of crisis (homelessness, etc.). CCBY provides programs to help stabilize families and prevent or minimize involvement in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems. Anyone can request services for an eligible youth, including the youth.
CCBY services include:
- Assessments
- Statewide 24/7 crisis intervention services
- Juvenile justice system intervention services
- Placement services for crisis youth – shelter, foster care, etc.
You can contact the toll-free CCBYS Information Line at (877) 870-2663.
ConsumerSafety.org strives to make information about recalls and safety-related news about drugs, medical devices, food and consumer products accessible to everyone in a transparent, easily understandable way.
Create Your Own Communication Card
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission developed the Communication Card to provide individuals with hearing loss a simple way to inform others of their communication needs and list the name and contact information of their preferred communication provider. You can create your very own personalized Communication Card on their website.
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents
CHYP resources include:
- Information on the science of pain
- Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
- On-demand webinars for youth and parents
- Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
- Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
- Summer camp
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Trained crisis counselors will respond and help you:
- English, text HOME to 741741
- Spanish, text HOLA to 741741 or text to 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp
If you are a caregiver, the Crisis Text Line and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) have teamed up to provide free, 24/7 support to help you navigate the stresses and demands of providing care. Caregivers needing mental health support can text TOUGH to 741741.