1. Where can Illinoisians who are experiencing a housing crisis seek assistance?
Homeless services are administered in local communities by local providers called Continuums of Care.
Find your local Continuum of Care
View information on DHS shelter and housing service providers.
View additional information on housing and shelter resources.
To apply for or seek assistance with cash assistance, Medicaid, or SNAP, please visit ABE.
You may also call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at: 1-800-843-6154 or (866) 324-5553 for Text to Talk. You may speak to a representative between: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, except State holidays.
2. How can I get connected with shelter?
In Chicago: If you or someone you know are in need of shelter and have nowhere to sleep tonight, call 311 and request shelter.
For Single Adults in need of shelter, you may also go to the 24/7 shelter intake location called the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC). It is located at 2241 S Halsted, Chicago, IL 60608. The SPARC is a central place where single adults are able to be assessed for diversion and shelter placement and receive interim basic services, such as food and overflow shelter, while awaiting services. Space is available for up to 200 people waiting for shelter placement. You may call 773-526-3707 to inquire about capacity.
For Families in need of shelter: Please go to the Salvation Army Shield of Hope Center located at 924 N. Christiana, Chicago, IL 60651. If you are unable to make it to that location, call 311 and request shelter. Once you have the Service Request number through 311, call Shield of Hope Intake at 872-281-7610. Walk-ins for families is permitted at Shield of Hope.
For Domestic Violence Assistance, call the DV Hotline at 877-863-6338.
If in need for shelter for 18-24 year olds two additional options are; "The Crib" at 1735 N Ashland Ave, go after 5pm, or call 773-549-4158, or "Ujima Center" at 7320 S. Yale Ave or call 312-778-5732.
Outside of Chicago: Please call 211 and request a referral to shelter, or contact your local Continuum of Care. Find your local Continuum of Care.
3. What is the Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)?
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for emergency rental payments up to $15,000 that can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months' future rent to prevent eviction. View more information and directions to apply.
Residents of Cook County can also access Court-Based Rental Assistance to prevent eviction through the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt. Cook County LEGAL AID for Housing and Debt.
4. Where to find free legal aid and eviction assistance?
Eviction Help Illinois provides Free Legal Help for Illinois Residents who are renters facing potential eviction and landlords not represented by a lawyer. To view more information, please visit: Eviction Help Illinois - Legal Solutions for Your Housing Issues.
In Cook County, you may also access the Cook County LEGAL AID for Housing and Debt.
A full list of Illinois Legal Assistance providers can be found at HUD Legal Aid: Legal Assistance: Illinois | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
5. Who should I contact if I have additional questions that are not listed here?
If you have additional questions that are not listed, you may email the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness at homeless.office@illinois.gov.
