Social Services Resources
The Salvation Army of Decatur’s Social Service Center remains operational to serve those in need during these turbulent times. We currently offer services through our Food Pantry on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Our Pantry Manager and dedicated staff have converted to pre-boxed distribution as part of our coordinated response to COVID-19. Prescription Vouchers are available for those who struggle to cover the costs of their prescribed medications.
Pre-boxed distribution plan drive through.
29 W. Main St.
Decatur, IL(800) SAL-ARMY
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
(800) 662-HELP (4357)
TTY: (800) 487-4889
Sangamon County Resource Guide
The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources strives to improve the quality of life for people in-need in Sangamon County through department programs, services and referrals that promote economic stability and/or self-motivation.
The department provides several resource guides that cover financial assistance, food pantries, health care, housing and more.
Sangamon Mass Transit District’s Free Rides
The Springfield Mass Transit District is extending its suspension of the collection of bus fares. Riders do not need to pay to ride the bus. For the latest information, visit www.smtd.org/news.
Share Our Spare collects new and gently-used items for children ages 0-5 and donates them to low-income families living in Metropolitan Chicago. Items are not available directly: instead, Share our Spare reaches families in need by partnering with local social services organizations that provide their clients with needed social services such as parenting classes, early childhood education, housing referrals, job readiness training, and behavioral health services.
Springfield Rental Assistance Program
Funds are available through the Springfield rental assistance program, a partnership between the city and the Springfield Urban League. To qualify for the program:
- The property address must be in the corporate limits of the city of Springfield.
- Your household income is within the allowable limits.
- Applicant must provide documentation showing a loss of income due to COVID-19.
- Cooperation from the applicant’s landlord to participate in the program.
Tenants seeking assistance should call the Springfield Urban League at (217) 789-0830, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please specify that you are seeking rental assistance within the city of Springfield. The intake process will occur over the phone. If you are leaving a message with the Urban League regarding the program after hours, please specify that you are seeking Springfield rental assistance along with your contact information.
The application process will include communication with your landlord to verify the rental agreement and the total rent owed. The maximum amount a tenant may receive is $1,000.
Stephenson County COVID-19 Information
Stephenson County COVID-19 Information provides links to resources and agencies that can provide you with the best up-to-date information.
Suburban Cook County Homeless Prevention Call Center
If you need financial assistance with mortgage, rent payments, rent deposits, utility payments or other housing issues, please call the Homeless Prevention Call Center at 1-877-4-Cook-15 (1-877-426-6515).
Listen carefully to the prompts to choose which kind of help you need.
The Arc of Illinois Financial Assistance for Training
The Arc of Illinois, through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, administers the Financial Assistance for Training Program. The program provides funds for people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to developmental disability issues.
Due to the pandemic, there is a need for training, important meetings and conferences to be virtual. This program will now allow stipends to pay for the assistive technology needed to attend virtual events.
The Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois
The Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois serves as a central location to collect and store donated diapers. The Diaper Bank partners with local service agencies to distribute diapers to low-income children and their families.
To request diapers, the Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois requires that the agency has an ongoing relationship with the client and has screened for need. Agencies may contact diaperbanksi@gmail.com or call (618) 549-2148, ext. 110.