Resources for Parents

Check out my Tools for Managing Feelings page, too!

• Illinois COVID H.E.L.P. (Housing and Economic Loss Prevention)

  • This free resource, created in partnership with over 40 legal organizations throughout Illinois, can help you with a wide range of COVID-related issues including eviction, consumer debt, employment and more.

• Family and Community Resource List from CPS' Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE)

• CPS Children and Family Benefits Unit (CBFU)

  • Provides families with social services support, including Medicaid and SNAP enrollment and utilization.

  • Can connect you to free and low-cost food, healthcare, and emergency resources to keep your family healthy and safe.

  • Visit the Healthy CPS Assistance Request Form or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) for assistance.

• Housing

  • DFSS Emergency Rental Assistance - Apply at one of the six Community Service Center Locations

  • Chicago Coordinated Entry System (CES)

    • City-wide process that serves as a front door to connect individuals and families facing homelessness to long-term housing and supports in an accessible, equitable, transparent manner.

    • Families (25+ head of household) are eligible if they are:

      • Living in a shelter, in a public place, or outside

      • Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence

    • Text 773-786-9916 or visit connectmenow.org to complete a short survey to identify local resources; or

    • Visit csh.org/chicagoces for a complete list of Access Points and CES Assessment schedules.

• Internet

  • More than 100,000 students are eligible for Chicago Connected. Please check your eligibility here. Families who are not eligible can explore low-cost internet options here.

The Big Questions Library is a community resource that uses literature to help stimulate important conversations between children with big questions and the trusted adults in their lives. The Big Questions Library lives in the SEL Office. Click above to see what's in the collection; to borrow a book contact Amanda Giordano at agiordano@cps.edu.