Community Resources

General Resources


  • United Way Service Search Tool: Use this service finder to find resources in your community. Enter your zip code and select the category of support you are interested in (food, health care, financial assistance, etc.) to locate available resources in your community.
    Click the following link to access:     https://liveunitedchicago.org/neighborhood-services

  • Community Service Centers: Community Service Centers help individuals and families access a wide range of resources from shelter, food and clothing to domestic violence assistance, job training/placement and services for the formerly incarcerated. Clients can also get information about rental, utility and other financial assistance programs. The centers also serve as warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather.

o Community Service Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm

o To your nearest Community Service and to learn more, click the following link: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/community_servicecenterlocations.html

  • If you are in the City of Chicago and in need of housing assistance, please call 311 and ask for short term help.

  • If you are experiencing a medical or safety emergency, please call 911.

Mental Health Resources


  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. To connect to the Lifeline, call 1-800-8255 (TALK)

  • Crisis Text Line: Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via text messaging. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

  • Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) is a crisis mental health service program for children and adolescents, who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency. SASS agencies provide intensive mental health services for eligible children and youth who may need hospitalization, or community based mental health care. SASS services are available by calling the CARES line. To call the SASS CARES line, dial: 1-800-345-9049

  • Teen Line Call: Teen-to-teen hotline and community outreach program that is available every night from 6-10pm to help adolescents address their problems in a confidential, anonymous, and comfortable way.

o To learn more, click here: teenlineonline.org

o To contact the Teen-to-teen hotline, call 310-855-4673 or text “TEEN” to 839863

  • DePaul University Education and Counseling Center: Remote counseling services and virtual tele-mental health services now available. Currently accepting new referrals for all ages. For information or to get scheduled please email Dr. Martha Mason, Director, at ecc@depaul.edu.

  • Call4Calm: Call4Calm is a free emotional support text line where you can speak with a mental health professional. Text “TALK” to 552020 or “HABLAR” for service in Spanish to the same number 552020.

  • Text-A-Tip: This is a youth-focused mental health crisis text hotline that is available 24/7. It is fully anonymous and staffed by licensed mental health counselors. To connect with this service, text “HELLO” to 1-844-5323.

  • Coping/Calming: Visit the Virtual Calming Room for a healthy escape using anxiety reduction and relaxation techniques to provide healthy outlets for stressful times. Access this tool by using this link: virtualcalmingroom.net

Food Resources


  • Food Pantries: Find your nearest food pantry using the Chicago Food Depository’s search engine: https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/

      • Some food pantries near Peterson include:

          • Albany Park Food Pantry (link) located at 3253 W. Wilson is an emergency food pantry serving areas from Lawrence-Irving Park to Western-Pulaski. Photo ID required. Hours are Wednesdays from 9-11am.

          • Common Pantry (link) is a local food pantry located at 3744 N. Damen Avenue. Common Pantry is remaining open for distribution hours on Wednesday from 1-4pm and 6-8pm. Photo ID required.

          • The Friendship Center (link) is located at 2711 W. Lawrence - this food pantry is open during the following hours: Monday/Thursday/Friday from 12-4pm, Thursday from 6-8pm for hot meals, and Tuesdays from 3-7pm. Valid ID and proof of address required.

  • CPS Command Center: Contact the CPS Command Center to learn more regarding assistance programs such as: SNAP and P-EBT. Contact this number: 773-553-KIDS (5437)

        • The P-EBT program provides food to families in need while schools are closed. All CPS students are eligible, regardless of income or citizenship.

        • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people and families buy the food they need for good health. Contact the CPS Command Center for assistance applying, renewing, or managing your participation in the SNAP program.

Rental Assistance & Financial Resources


Homelessness Prevention Call Center

      • Call 3-1-1 and request “short-term help” or “rental assistance”.

        • A Case Manager will review qualifications and determine if funds are available. When funds are available and a person qualifies, they are connected with the funding agency. When they qualify but funds aren’t available, callers are given the option of calling back the next day.

        • Funds can be used for security deposits, rent/mortgage payments, utilities.

Rapid Re-Housing Program

    • All Chicago administers the Rapid Re-Housing Program to provide rent and utility assistance for people experiencing homelessness, living in shelters or on the street. We work with seven partner agencies that provide case management services to help Rapid Re-Housing clients remain stable in their new homes. We assist approximately 350 households each year.

      • If you need help, call 3-1-1 and ask for short-term assistance.

DFSS Emergency Rental Assistance

Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance at one of the 6 DFSS Community Service Centers.

  • Funds can be used for payment of rent to prevent eviction

  • Payment is made directly to property owners/managers

  • Call nearest DFSS center to inquire about rental assistance:

    • North Area Community Service Center
      845 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL
      312-744-2580


Chicago Rental Assistance: Rent payment assistance is available for individuals and families that are in immediate risk of eviction through the City of Chicago Rental Assistance Program. Can apply online or in person at your nearest Community Service Center.

IDES and PUA: If your income was impacted by Covid-19, you likely qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

      • UI provides temporary income to individuals whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19.

      • PUA temporarily expands unemployment insurance eligibility to self-employed workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and part-time workers.

      • To apply or learn more information visit www2.illinois.gov or call (800) 244-5631

Note: These benefits are available to immigrants and refugees depending on certain criteria. For information on whether you or your family may qualify for state benefits or other types of assistance based on citizenship, please call the Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) Hotline at 1-855-IFRP-NOW (1-855-437-7669).


Asian Human Services - CURES Program: The Cures Employment & Training project was launched in response to the emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on specific communities. This project is designed to provide temporary paid work experience and training for low income members of the community that are over the age of 17 and receive SNAP and/or TANF benefits.


Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS): MAFS is a local organization that assists clients in accessing public benefits available to fit their individual needs. Staff helps fill-out applications for these services and escorts them to the appropriate public benefit offices such as Department of Human Services or Social Security Administration, Immigration and Naturalization to submit the application and serve as their interpreter. They can translate official forms in Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Spanish and Bosnian languages to facilitate the process of applying for benefits.

  • Contact MAFS by calling (773) 465-3105 or stopping by their offices at 7541 N Western Avenue.

Medical Resources


  • Swedish Hospital: Swedish operates a help line that is staffed with clinicians who can help screen symptoms and answer questions on what to do next. Interpretive services are available to assist in most languages. For free phone screenings call: 773-907-7700.

  • Heartland Health Center: Heartland is also providing telehealth appointments (phone and video) for patients to minimize exposure to COVID-19. If you or a loved one may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are experiencing fever, cough, or sore throat contact Heartland Health Center's support line to speak with a specialist. For assistance, call: 773-751-7800.

  • CPS Command Center: Contact the CPS Command Center for assistance applying, renewing, or managing Medicaid. Contact this number: 773-553-KIDS (5437)

Community Counseling Resources


The Albany Park Community Center is offering free individual and group counseling to individuals that are between the ages of 10-24. Counseling services are offered in both English and Spanish and sessions are available mornings and evenings, Monday through Friday. Please call 773-509-5657 ext. 470 or email jtapia@apcc-chgo.org for more information.

Albany Park Community Center
5101 N Kimball Avenue
773-509-5657 ext. 470

Additional Counseling Resources in our Community:

Advocate Illinois Masonic Behavioral Health Services
938 W Nelson Avenue
(bilingual Spanish speaking staff)
Child & Family Counseling Services
4920 N. Central
(773) 296-3220

Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C-4)
2525 W Peterson Avenue
(773) 506-2525

Mary & Tom Leo Associates, Inc (MTLA)
2656 W Montrose Avenue
(312) 485-3669

Erie Teen Health Center
(adolescents ages 12-21 – bilingual Spanish speaking staff)
1945 W Wilson Avenue
(312) 491-2400

Jewish Child & Family Services Child & Family Services
3145 W Pratt Avenue
(773) 467-3700

Virginia Frank Child Development Center
(early childhood & younger child services)
3033 W Touhy Avenue
(773) 761-4550

Youth Outreach Services
(multi-service youth agency)
4751 N Kedzie Avenue
(773) 539-7605

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
4840 W Byron Street
773-282-7800 ext.220

Tuesday’s Child
(age 6 & under only)
3633 N California Avenue
(773) 423-5055

Metropolitan Family Services
North Children’s Center
3255 N Central Avenue
(773) 371-3770


PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAMS

Chicago Lakeshore Hospital
4720 N. Clarendon
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-9700
(800) 888-0560 (intake)
*Ages up to 18

Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital
Specialties: chemical dependency, anxiety/OCD, school refusal, eating disorders, self-injury
1650 Moonlake Blvd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 882-1600
(800) 432-5005 (intake)
*Ages 13-18

Compass Health Center
60 Revere Drive, Suite 100
Northbrook, IL 60062
(224) 306-1879
*Ages 12-18

Hartgrove Hospital
5730 W. Roosevelt
Chicago, IL 60644
(773) 413-1700
*Ages 6-17

Advocate Lutheran General
1675 Dempster
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(855) 312-5437

Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital
520 N. Ridgeway Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 265-3700