Support Services for Ukrainian Newcomers

Support Services for Ukrainian Newcomers

"Every family, every child, every human being deserves to feel safe and secure in the place they call home. I am committed to making sure that value defines what it means to live in Illinois."

Governor JB Pritzker.

Illinois is the second most requested placement state for Ukrainian newcomers. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in this difficult time. This web page lists resources offered by the State of Illinois and community-based organizations to assist Sponsors and Ukrainian newcomers resettling in Illinois.

Ukrainian Support Form

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. ASSISTANCE FOR SPONSORS AND UKRAINIANS
    1. Refugee Resettlement Agency Program
    2. Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC)
    3. Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP)
    4. Family Support Network and Hotline
  2. PROGRAMS & SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR UKRAINIANS
    1. Food Connections
    2. Emergency & Transitional Housing Program
    3. Child Care Assistance
    4. School & Education
  3. HEALTHCARE
    1. Medicaid
    2. Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
  4. Mental Health Support
    1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    2. For 24-Hour Support for Deaf or hard of hearing American Sign Language users
  5. IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES
    1. Illinois Access To Justice
    2. Employment Authorization
    3. Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams
    4. Reporting Scams
  6. OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
    1. Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago (USA)
    2. Information for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine from the U.S. State Department

ASSISTANCE FOR SPONSORS AND UKRAINIANS

Sponsors can reach out to the agencies listed below to ask for assistance. These agencies have experience and expertise that can help connect you to the services needed.

Refugee Resettlement Agency Program

The Refugee Program facilitates relocation and social service assistance to people who are victims of political and religious persecution that have been granted the legal right to rebuild their lives in the United States. Due to the diverse ethnic characteristics, the Refugee Program designed a unique social service program to provide specialized multi-lingual services, such as:

  • Case Management
  • Assisting in Accessing Health Services
  • Assisting in Enrollment in Public Benefits
  • Assisting in Accessing Legal Services
  • Enrolling in English classes
  • Youth Mentor Program
  • Services for K-12 Students
  • Services to Older Refugees
  • Assisting in Employment
  • Mental Health Services

Please view our flyer in English flyer (pdf) and Ukrainian flyer (pdf) that discusses the Benefits of Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees.

Please view our referral sheet in English referral sheet (pdf) and Ukrainian referral sheet (pdf), of Refugee Support Services (RSS) and a short description of services.

Visit the Refugee Program website  

Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC)

The Illinois Welcoming Centers (IWC) consist of 34 comprehensive service centers providing a variety of free support services to all immigrants and refugees in Illinois, regardless of status, such as:

  • Comprehensive and holistic case management and service coordination to immigrants and refugees in a linguistically, culturally sensitive manner.
  •  Benefits and services provided by state and federal agencies as well as social service agencies and connect individuals to appropriate services as needed through case management or referral.
  •  Coordinate social services in their particular geographic location by creating Community Alliances. These Community Alliances consist of meetings with local service providers to address common challenges shared in the delivery of services to immigrants and refugee and to enhance service effectiveness and improve service coordination.
  • Host a variety of community education workshops to help immigrants and refugees learn about resources and information that can advance their successful integration and build the capacity of immigrant and refugee communities.

Visit the Office of the Illinois Welcoming Center website

Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP)

Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) The Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) is a contract between immigrant-serving organizations in Illinois, The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), and the Illinois Department of Human Services to support immigrant access to public benefits.

They currently partner with several community-based organizations with capacity in 59 languages. Here is a complete list of their partner organizations with direct contact information for IFRP services.

Visit the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights website.

Family Support Network and Hotline

Call 1-855-435-7693 for assistance The Family Support Network (FSN) HOTLINE is to unify, build and coordinate a full range of support - legal, social services, ministry, law enforcement, and political action - for all families torn apart by our immigration system. The Hotline operates 24/7.

Visit the Family Support Network and Hotline website

Welcome.US is a new national initiative built to inspire, mobilize, and empower Americans from all corners of the country to welcome and support those seeking refuge here. They began with new Afghan neighbors and have expanded to those fleeing Ukraine while also building a durable capacity and ability to welcome other newcomers. They operate on the evidence that direct participation with newcomers transforms both the welcome and those being welcomed. Their ultimate ambition is for every American community - and the nation as a whole - to have the resources and willingness to welcome newcomers, now and in the future. 

Visit Welcome.US Ukraine website

PROGRAMS & SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR UKRAINIANS

Agencies above can assist with public benefits

  • SNAP
  • Medical
  • TANF
  • WIC
  • Childcare
  • ORR Services

Food Connections

If you are searching for resources that can connect you to food pantries and soup kitchens in Illinois, please visit our website for a list of Illinois Food Banks and the area they serve.

Visit the Food Connections website.

Emergency & Transitional Housing Program

If you are in a vulnerable situation facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program can give immediate and comprehensive shelter services. For more information on Emergency and Transitional Housing providers.

Child Care Assistance

We know how important it is for you to find quality childcare for your child. The Illinois Department of Human Services' (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency are working together to support families to get the information and resources the need to find and select the best childcare for their child.

Visit Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) website.

School & Education

If you are looking for resources on school enrollment and need assistance searching for the nearest Public School, visit the Illinois State of Education website.

HEALTHCARE

Medicaid

Ukrainians arriving through the United for Ukraine sponsorship program are eligible to apply for federal mainstream benefits, such, health insurance through Medicaid.

If you wish to apply for Medicaid visit Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE).

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

If you would like to locate a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) has a health center locator tool where you can search for a health center by address, state, or county.

FQHCs are in most cities and many rural areas. They will help you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income.

Visit Federally Qualified Health Center website.

Mental Health Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number-it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, including family, friends, and/or caregivers.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or is having thoughts of suicide, 988 provides a connection to free, 24/7 confidential support.

For 24-Hour Support for Deaf or hard of hearing American Sign Language users

The national Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is now offering direct crisis counseling and support for Deaf or hard of hearing American Sign Language users via a dedicated videophone option. Disaster survivors and responders can connect with trained DDH crisis workers fluent in ASL by dialing 1-800-985-5990 from a videophone-enabled device or via an "ASL Now" link which can be accessed at DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov.

Visit 988hotline.illinois.gov.

IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES

BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT IMMIGRATION PROVIDERS! Notaries Public are not attorneys. Generally, notaries, travel agents or insurance agents are not allowed to advise you on immigration matters or other legal matters.

Protections may be available for eligible Ukrainians already present in the U.S. As a result of the Russian military invasion, the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months. Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022.

Illinois Access To Justice

The Illinois Access to Justice network provides high quality legal services in the neighborhoods where people live and work. Legal Services include representation in criminal, civil, administrative, and immigration matters.

Call 1-888-708-6-A2J to find a legal service provider in your area.

Visit Illinois Access to Justice website.

Employment Authorization

To legally work in the United States Ukrainians will need to apply for discretionary Employment Authorization Document, the beneficiary must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Please note that a Social Security number (SSN) is also issued by submitting this form.

Visit U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

We do not want you to become the victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or accredited representative working for a Department of Justice recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

Visit U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Reporting Scams

If you find you are a victim of an immigration scam please report this person to the Illinois Attorney General:

Illinois Attorney General - Immigration Fraud

Chicago

1-800-386-5438

TTY: 1-800-964-3013 

Springfield

1-800-243-0618

TTY: 877-844-5461 

Carbondale

1-800-243-0607

TTY: 877-675-9339

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago (USA)

If you are a Ukrainian National in need of consular services, such as:

  • Passport
  • e-visa
  • Civil Registration
  • Adoption in Ukraine

Please contact the Consulate General by emailing gc_usc@mfa.gov.ua  consukrchicago@gmail.com  or call at 312-642-4388.

Ukrainians in Illinois who are experiencing an emergency, can call the Consulate General at 312-536-9418.

Visit the Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago website.

Information for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine from the U.S. State Department

If you are a U.S. citizen in Ukraine, the U.S. State Department has resources for those wishing to depart. They also offer travel conditions and land border guidance for surrounding countries including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova.

U.S. citizens in Ukraine should complete this online form so that the State Department can communicate with you. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Ukraine can also call 1-833-741-2777 (in the United States) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas) for immediate assistance.

Visit State Departments' website