COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project
October 15, 2020 Update
IDHS is proud to announce the COVID-19 Housing & Utility Assistance Project, the COVID-19 Public Health and Health Navigator Project, the COVID-19 Employment & Training Project and the COVID-19 Prevention, Testing and Treatment Multilingual Ad Campaign. These programs were established to provide temporary and emergency assistance to immigrants, refugees and Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020
Click here to find a community organization that can help you apply for services
COVID-19 Housing & Utility Assistance Project:
Amount: 18 Million CURES Act
COVID Emergency Assistance Provided: Eligible households can receive up to $5,000 of rental, mortgage and utility assistance for unpaid bills due between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.
Funding for this project ends December 30, 2020.
IDHS's Welcoming Center Housing and Utility Assistance Project was established to provide temporary and emergency housing and utility assistance to immigrants, refugees and Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.
In order to distribute these funds across Illinois, IDHS has partnered with 30 community-based organizations to offer assistance to low-income households impacted by COVID-19. This is not a cash assistance program. Payments will be made directly to the landlord, mortgage company or utility bill.
In order to be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Illinois.
- Have experienced a financial hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- Priority will be given to families that are not eligible for any federal stimulus, unemployment insurance, or public benefits due to their immigration status.
- Priority will be given to applicants with household income below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), recipients cannot exceed 80% AMI.
Click here to find a community organization that can help you apply for services
COVID-19 Public Health and Health Navigator Project
Amount: 4 Million CURES Act
COVID Emergency Assistance Provided: Participants receive COVID specific Health Navigator trainings and can receive a Health Navigator certificate from a partnership between Alivio Medical Center and the Arturo Velasquez Institute-City Colleges of Chicago.
Funding for this project ends December 30, 2020.
IDHS's Welcoming Center Health Navigator Project was established to provide temporary and emergency COVID-19 education and outreach training to immigrants, refugees and Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals.
The Illinois Welcoming Centers Health Navigator Project-COVID-19 Response is a targeted, deliberate effort to train a workforce of Community Health Workers / Navigators in Illinois to reach out to and provide information about how to keep immigrant families safe during this and other healthcare emergencies. IDHS has contracted with 17 community-based organizations, the Arturo Velazquez Institute (AVI) - City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and Alivio Medical Center (AMC) to develop a well-trained workforce to provide information, coaching and practical approaches to prevention and management of COVID-19 in communities throughout the state. Illinois Welcoming Centers and Health Navigator grantees will work with AVI and AMC in identifying, recruiting and training community members in the health navigator project and providing education and information to participants.
Click here to find a community organization that can help you apply for services
COVID-19 Employment & Training Project
Amount: 4.5 Million CURES Act
COVID Emergency Assistance Provided: Participants receive training, employment assistance and worker protection education from one of our 26 partner agencies.
Funding for this project ends December 30, 2020.
IDHS's Welcoming Center Housing and Utility Assistance Project was established to provide temporary and emergency employment and training services to immigrants, refugees and Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.
IDHS has partnered with 26 community-based organizations to provide workforce training to low-income individuals impacted by COVID-19. Eligible participants can enroll in job training, employment placement, certificate programs, reimbursement for tuition, computer literacy, ESL classes, resume assistance, career readiness & career orientation and worker protection education through our network of community-based organizations.
Click here to find a community organization that can help you apply for services
COVID-19 Prevention, Testing and Treatment Multilingual Ad Campaign
Amount: 2 Million CURES Act
COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Provided: Multilingual Ad campaign will target immigrant, refugee and Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities across Illinois through t.v., radio, social media and community engagement.
Launch Date: Runs through December 30, 2020.
For more information contact us at 312-793-7120 or DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov
COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project
October 1, 2020 Update
To date, IDHS is dedicating $22 million in pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants - regardless of immigration status - who are facing unemployment, loss of income, medical costs, and food and housing insecurity as a direct result of COVID-19 and are ineligible for any federal funding relief. With the IDHS contribution, the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is administering funds through the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project.
COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project.
The Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Welcoming Centers for Immigrant and Refugee Services is proud to partner with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) to announce the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project. We recognize that many Illinoisans are suffering economic instability due to COVID-19 and we are working hard to ensure that support services are available to all those in need. We also recognize that many immigrants were excluded from the federal CARES Act Economic Impact Payments and other state and federal benefits. This project will help fill the gap and provide much needed direct support for immigrant families in Illinois.
In order to be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Illinois.
- Have experienced an income disruption or experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- Not be eligible for any federal stimulus and/or unemployment insurance.
* Priority will be given to households with income below 200% federal poverty level.
For more information on how to apply:
State of Illinois Resources
IDHS recognizes that many Illinoisans are suffering economic instability due to COVID-19 and we are working hard to ensure that IDHS benefits and support services are extended to all those in need. To help alleviate some of the stress associated with searching and finding resources we have compiled a list of places, policies, organizations, and guidelines created in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Community-based organizations and agencies serving the LEP and immigrant/refugee population:
Illinois Welcoming Centers
Additional Resources
Mental Health
Emotional reactions to this emerging health crisis are expected. Remind yourself, your family and your friends that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or having other symptoms of distress such as trouble sleeping is normal. If symptoms become worse, encourage them, and yourself, to reach out for support and help. The following are free mental health resources available to all Chicago residents:
- Connect to a NAMI Chicago Helpline mental health counselor by calling 311 or directly at 833-626-4244
- Connect to Bright Star Community Outreach's trauma counseling helpline at 833-TURN-123
- Connect to free tele-therapy services at Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers by calling 312-747-1020.
- For afterhours support, contact Crisis Text Line which serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Instructions: Text HOME to: 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.
- Tips on Managing Anxiety about COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic)
- Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
- Guidance for Parents in Talking to Children about COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic)
Domestic Violence:
If you are experiencing violence in your place of residence, you can contact the IL Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 877-863-6338 for confidential help and information. Services are available in several languages.
If you need to obtain an Order of Protection, you may visit the courthouse located at 555 W Harrison even during the Stay Home Order issued on 3/20/20.
If you are a victim of sexual violence/abuse and need help, you can contact the confidential rape crisis hotline 1-888-293-2080
If you are experiencing human trafficking and need help, the STOP IT program has a 24/7 free and confidential Hotline 877-606-3158
Food:
The Greater Chicago Food Depository responds to food insecurity in our community every single day. Anyone in need of food assistance can turn to the Food Depository's network of agencies and programs. With some exceptions, their network of 700 partner agencies and programs remains open. These sites are modifying their distributions to promote social distancing, including offering pre-packaged boxes of groceries.
The Food Depository's benefits outreach team is available by phone to help Chicagoans apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid benefits. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase groceries from local stores. Eligibility is determined by household income. Those affected by recent COVID-19 related job losses may qualify. For benefits outreach assistance, call 773-843-5416 Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or apply directly with the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19. Local Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day, focused on doing all they can to keep older Americans safe and nourished in communities across the country.
Cultivators Emergency Pantry Tuesdays - Wednesday 9am -4pm by appointments only 217-369-9155 ask for Pastor Nelson ( curb side pick up)
Key COVID-19 Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- New languages available! Poster: Stop the Spread of Germs This poster describes how to limit the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 by avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering cough and sneeze; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; and washing your hands with soap and water. Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigryna, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- Fact Sheet: What to Do if You are Sick This fact sheet provides steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigryna, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- Fact Sheet: What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others This fact sheet explains what COVID-19 is, how it spreads, what its symptoms and severe complications are, how to protect yourself, what to do if you are sick, and what to do if you recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish.
- Poster: Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 This poster presents the symptoms of the novel coronavirus (fever, cough, and shortness of breath). Available in English, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Live Updates: Coronavirus Resource Center The CDC provides resources and updates on COVID-19 including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ); How COVID-19 Spreads; Prevention & Treatment; Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). All materials are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, with select materials also available in Vietnamese and Korean.
For the latest CDC resources on COVID-19, visit the its COVID-19 Print Resources page and its COVID-19 video playlist.
Please see list of updated CDC Print Resources found at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html. Please note some new documents below that were just posted live to the CDC website this past weekend.
Additional Resources from across the Country
- Information on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
World Health Organization (WHO), 2020 On this website, you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of COVID-19. This page provides daily updates in English, French, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and Spanish.
- COVID-19 Overview
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor
This website, from OSHA at the Department of Labor, addresses COVID-19 concerns related to occupational safety and health. Available in English and Spanish.
- USCIS Response to Coronavirus
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, 2020 This page summarizes updates related to rescheduling appointments, requests for evidence, oath ceremonies, and more. Available in English and Spanish.
Refugee Resettlement Resources:
COVID-19: Understanding Guidance and Rules helps refugees recognize how the coronavirus spreads, typical symptoms, and the terms used by health officials (isolation, quarantine, social distancing, and shelter in place.) and Resettling to the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic helps refugees understand how they may be interacting with their resettlement agency during the pandemic and outlines their responsibilities to stay informed and plan ahead.
Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE), 2020
These fact sheets are available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Kinyarwanda, Russian, and Swahili. Same content also available as podcasts; see below under Videos and other Multimedia Resources.
The new resources are also available as podcasts for low-literacy learners. Fact sheets and podcasts can be found on the CORE Resettlement Navigator website in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Kinyarwanda, Russian, and Swahili. Note: Fact sheets can be embedded on websites, forwarded to refugees via email, or printed and distributed at refugee housing areas. Podcasts can be played online or downloaded from Soundcloud for use offline.
CORE's animated video released last week, Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to protect yourself and stop the spread of the virus, is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Kinyarwanda, Russian, and Swahili on the CORE Resettlement Navigator website, as well as in Spanish on YouTube. Additional translations in Ukrainian, Farsi, Somali, Tigrynia, Nepali, French, and Amharic will be available on CORE's YouTube channel soon.
Lastly, CORE's webpage on COVID-19 resources for refugees is regularly updated with other important videos and fact sheets translated into multiple refugee languages.
Multilingual Resources on COVID-19
Fact Sheets
- Multiple Fact Sheets: Novel coronavirus | How can I be prepared for a COVID-19 outbreak? | What does staying at home mean? | For childcare providers | For families caregiving for loved ones | For people who are sick but have not been exposed to COVID-19 | For people who are sick and have been exposed to COVID-19 | For people who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not sick | For food workers and establishments Washington State Department of Health, 2020 These fact sheets provide a range of information related to COVID-19, tailored to multiple specific audiences. Languages include Arabic, Bangla (Bengali), Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Dari, English, Farsi, French, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukranian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Not all materials are available in all languages.
- Coronavirus Disease 2019
Minnesota Department of Health, 2020 This fact sheet provides a basic overview of COVID-19 in multiple languages. Available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Nepali, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- Coronavirus Information Sheet
Ministry of Health, Ontario, Canada, 2020 The Ministry of Health in Ontario, Canada has developed an information sheet about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Note that these materials include information for Canadian health services and would require modifications before sharing with clients in the U.S. We include them here to serve as a starting point for those developing their own translated materials. Available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Kanien'k'ha (Mohawk), Korean, Nishnaabemwin (Eastern Ojibwe), Oji-Cree, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Romanian, Somali, Spanish, Swampy Cree, Tagalog, Tamil, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
- COVID-19 Informational Flyer
City of Austin, TX, 2020 This flyer provides information how on COVID-19 spreads, its symptoms, and provides prevention tips. It is available in Arabic, Burmese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
- What You Need to Know; What to Do if You are Sick; and other Fact Sheets
City of Aurora, CO, 2020 The city of Aurora has produced its own translations of key CDC COVID-19 fact sheets in languages including Burmese, Karen, Korean, and Nepali. To download, click the link above. Official CDC fact sheets in other languages may be found here.
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020 The state of Maine has produced a fact sheet with key COVID-19 information in Acholi, Arabic, English, French, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Kirundi, Lingala, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese.
Posters
- Be a Germ-Buster - Wash Your Hands!
Washington State Department of Health, 2015 This poster provides a basic pictorial explanation of how to wash your hands. Available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Cambodian, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- Hand Washing
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2018 This poster illustrates six steps for effective hand washing. It is available in English, French, Kinande, Kinyarwanda, and Swahili.
- Stop Germs, Stay Healthy!
King County, WA Health Department, 2008 This poster provides steps for correctly washing your hands and preventing the spread of germs. It is available in Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Nepali, Oromo, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish,Tagalog, Tigrigna, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- Help Prevent Disease
City of Austin, TX, 2020 This poster provides four steps for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping yourself healthy. It is available in Burmese, SimplifiedChinese, TraditionalChinese, English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- COVID-19 Symptoms and Stop the Spread of Germs
City of Portland, ME, 2020 The city of Portland, ME has produced its own translations of key CDC COVID-19 posters in languages including Portuguese. To download, click the link above. Official CDC fact sheets in other languages may be found here.
- What You Should Know
LA County Department of Public Health, 2020 This poster provides a basic explanation of key COVID-19 information with visual illustrations. Available in Arabic, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
- 10 Ways to manage respiratory symptoms at home
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 2020 If you have fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your doctor. They may tell you to manage your care from home. This poster provides tips on how to manage respiratory symptoms at homes. It is available in Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Croatian, Dari, English, Falam Chin, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hakha (Lai) Chin, Hindi, Hmong, Jarai,Karen, Kayah, Khmer, Kinyamulenge, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Laotian, Mizo Chin, Nepali, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Rhade, Rohingya, Russian, Sango, Serbian (Cirilica), Serbian (Latin), Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swahili (Congo), Tedim Chin, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Videos & Other Multimedia Resources
- New languages available! COVID-19: How to protect yourself and stop the spread of the virusCultural Orientation Resource Center (CORE), 2020 This is 3- to 4-minute animated videos are spoken and subtitled in: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Swahili, Tigrinya and Ukrainian. Also available from CORE are two podcasts, COVID-19: Understanding Guidance and Rules and Resettling to the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Podcasts are recorded in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Kinyarwanda, Russian, and Swahili.
- Coronavirus Message
ValleyWise Health Medical Center, 2020 These 5-minute videos are spoken in a range of languages and include visual aids: Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Karen, Kirundi, Maay Maay, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.
- How to Wash Your Hands and Cleaning Hands with Hand Sanitizer
Minnesota Department of Health, 2020 How to Wash Your Hands is a short video spoken in a range of languages, with in-language subtitles: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, English (Described Audio), Hmong, Karen, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. All videos are accompanied by transcripts. Cleaning Hands with Hand Sanitizer is a short video spoken in a range of languages, with in-language subtitles: Amharic, ASL, Chinese, Hmong, Karen, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- What is Coronavirus? and How to Stop Coronavirus from Spreading
Lutheran Family Services Nebraska, 2020 These 3-minute videos are spoken in a range of languages using CDC scripts. The videos are produced by Lutheran Family Services Nebraska in partnership with Restoring Dignity and Global Language Solutions, a translation and interpretation service for refugee-spoken languages. Available in Arabic (Middle Eastern dialect), Arabic (Sudanese dialect), Burmese, English, Karen, Karenni, Kiswahili, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, Kurdish, Nepali, Nuer, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, and Zomi.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) and COVID-19 Symptom/Exposure Response
The Refugee Response, 2020 This is a series of 2- to 3-minute animated videos spoken in a range of languages. The videos are produced by The Refugee Response in partnership with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland Migration and Refugee Service and the Ohio Department of Health. Available in Arabic, Arkanese, Burmese, English, French, Karen, Karenni, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.
- Information on COVID-19
Vermont Department of Health and Community Partners, 2020 This is a series of 1- to 2-minute videos spoken in a range of languages and providing basic information on COVID-19, with selected 7- to 10-minute videos offering more detailed information. They are shared by the Vermont Department of Health and created by the Spectrum Multicultural Youth Program, Howard Center, and other Burlington, VT community members. Available in Arabic (basic), Arabic (detailed), Bosnian, Dinka (basic ), Dinka (detailed), French (basic), French (detailed), Kirundi, Lingala, Nepali (basic), Nepali (detailed), Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese (basic), Vietnamese (detailed).
- COVID-19 Information
City of Lewiston, ME, 2020 The city of Lewiston, ME has produced a 10-minute video of COVID-19 information with audio in Arabic, English, French, Kirundi, Maay Maay, Portuguese, Somali, and Spanish. The audio is accompanied by a slide show with visual aids in English.
- Introductory Video & Self-paced e-Learning Courses on Coronavirus
World Health Organization (WHO), 2020 This is five-minute introductory video provides an overview of COVID-19 in English. Captions are available in English, Arabic, French, Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Macedonian, Persian, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish,Turkish and Vietnamese. Coming soon in Italian. To access multi-lingual versions, create a free OpenWHO account. These videos are embedded in 3-hour long self-paced e-learning courses that may also be completed in each language listed above.
Shopping Hours Dedicated for Seniors and Those with Immunodeficiency
Whole Foods: Customers age 60 and older can shop daily an hour before stores open to the general public. So, if a store opens at 9 a.m., for example, seniors have access at 8 a.m.
When: Policy is already in effect.
Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday is reserved for the elderly and other vulnerable populations, such as those with compromised immune systems.
When: Policy is already in effect.
Jewel-Osco: Senior shoppers are being given priority from 7-9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
When: Policy is already in effect.
Mariano's: The grocer has set aside two hours daily - 6 to 8 a.m. - for seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
When: Policy is already in effect.
Walmart: Customers ages 60 and older can shop every Tuesday an hour before stores open. Walmart pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this time.
When: Starting Tuesday, March 24 through April 28.
Tony's Fresh Market: Senior priority shopping hours are in effect 7-9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Employment and Financial Resources:
The U.S. Small Business Administration has guidance and loans available for small businesses.
Information regarding Unemployment Benefits from the State of Illinois is available.
The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has information on COVID-19 and the American Workplace, including paid leave requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Know Your Rights If you do not have work authorization in the United States, you still have rights. If you need assistance understanding your rights, you can contact ARISE Chicago at 773-769-6000.
If you have valid work authorization (this includes DACA recipients), you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you have lost your job or hours worked.
Who is hiring:
Well over a dozen national companies have announced substantial hiring plans. And while it might be a career shift for some, it will ensure a regular stream of income that can be a lifesaver for others. Here's a look at who's hiring and what jobs they're offering.
7-Eleven
The largest convenience store chain is looking to add 20,000 jobs to meet increased demand, with jobs ranging from in-store positions to delivery jobs. Apply at careers.7-Eleven.com
Aldi
The grocery chain has nearly 5,000 open positions. Most are based in retail stores, but there are a handful of openings in specialized fields such as human resources, public relations, and IT. Apply here
Albertsons
Roughly 30,000 temporary jobs are being created at the grocery chain, which includes Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs. To help fill the roles, the company is working with hospitality and food service companies that have had to furlough workers.
Amazon
The online retailer is looking to add 100,000 workers amid an unprecedented surge in demand due to the coronavirus. The bulk of those jobs are in warehouses and as delivery workers. (The company has also raised salaries by $2 per hour through April.) You can apply for the jobs on Amazon's website.
CVS
Drugstores are seeing a surge in business during the coronavirus pandemic. CVS will hire 50,000 additional staffers to keep up with demand and is awarding bonuses of $150 to $500 to employees who work directly with patients. Roles include store associates, home delivery drivers, distribution center employees, and member/customer service professionals. Hiring will take place via virtual job fairs, virtual interviews, and virtual job tryouts.
Dollar General
As many as 50,000 (mostly temporary) jobs are being opened up to support the discount chain's operations as COVID-19 continues to spread. The company has doubled its hiring rate and hopes to fill those jobs by the end of April. Apply on the company's website.
Dollar Tree/Family Dollar
The value variety chains plan to bring another 25,000 full- and part-time associates on board to support in-store and distribution roles at over 15,000 locations. For a full list of available positions or to apply online, visit www.DollarTree.com/careers or www.FamilyDollar.com/careers.
Domino's
The world's largest pizza chain is looking to hire up to 10,000 employees in roles ranging from pizza makers to delivery drivers to customer service reps. It's also looking for Class A CDL drivers to ensure its supply chains flow smoothly. Apply at jobs.dominos.com
GE Healthcare
With unprecedented demand for ventilators and other critical medical supplies, the health care company is expanding its manufacturing capacity and needs workers to staff it.
Instacart
The company that fills grocery store orders plans to hire 300,000 full-service shoppers over the next three months, more than doubling its current workforce. Learn more at the company's website.
Kroger
The grocery chain says it has already hired 2,000 people since the pandemic began and it currently has more than 10,000 openings at its stores (which include Harris Teeter and Fred Meyer). Apply on the company's website.
Papa John's
Even in a pandemic, people want pizza. The nation's third-largest chain is hiring 20,000 people to help with deliveries and carry-out orders. To learn more or apply, visit jobs.papajohns.com or text JOBS to 47272.
Pepsi
The food and beverage giant plans to bring another 6,000 people on board in full-benefit positions in the coming months. It did not detail what those jobs would be. Apply at pepsicojobs.com/main.
Pizza Hut
There are over 30,000 open positions at the restaurant chain. The company has sped up the hiring process to the point where it says new drivers can be on the road within five hours. In addition to drivers, it's looking for cooks, shift leaders, restaurant managers, and virtual call center agents. Apply at jobs.pizzahut.com.
Publix
The grocery chain is hiring 'thousands' of workers to fill positions at its stores and distribution centers. Apply at www.publix.jobs.
Walgreens
The drug chain is looking to fill roughly 9,500 full- and part-time positions, ranging from customer service associates to pharmacy technicians to shift leads. Visit jobs.walgreens.com to apply.
Walmart
Not to be outdone by Amazon, Walmart is adding 150,000 temporary positions, which will run (as of now) through the end of May. Many of the jobs, however, will convert to full-time positions, the company says. The company is looking for people to staff its stores, clubs, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers. And it has reached out to restaurant and hospitality industry groups to let people displaced from those fields use this as a bridge. To expedite things, the company has streamlined its hiring process from two weeks to 24 hours. Apply here.
Housing:
The Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, to prevent homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit.
All evictions/foreclosures have been suspended for at least 30 days in Cook County. This means that if you are unable to pay your rent, you cannot be evicted. Learn more about your rights as a tenant during the COVID-19 crisis in English and Spanish.
The City of Chicago administers its own version of the Rental Housing Support Program. If you currently live in or are interested in living in Chicago and are in need of rental assistance, please contact the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund at: (312) 744-0676.
Illinois Housing Development Authority
How to Contact IHDA
- Online: visit www.ihda.org for current information and contacts for all active IHDA programs.
- Email: see our Contact Us page for key department contacts.
- Phone: for all general inquiries, call (312) 836-5200 to be connected with the appropriate department.
Rental Assistance
There has been no suspension of rent payments for Chicago or the State of Illinois. This means tenants are still obligated to pay their rent per the terms of their lease.
Rental Housing Support Program
Provides rental assistance to extremely low-income households living in participating properties. Contact one of the administering agencies directly to apply.
Shelter List provides a directory of shelters that offer assistance to the homeless.
Youth:
Chicago Public Schools has continually updated information regarding schools and student health and wellness.
Chicago Public Library has online learning resources for both kids and teens, along with ebooks and magazines.
Chicago Healthy Adolescents & Teens (CHAT), a program supported by Chicago Department of Public Health and Chicago Public Schools, has sexual-health education information and resources online.
Children's book, My Hero is You, about COVID in English and 17 other languages:
https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-reference-group-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-emergency-settings/my-hero-you
