Shelter
If you are facing homelessness, call 2-1-1 any time of day or night or text your zip code to 898211.
For immediate shelter contact:
PADS Lake County
1800 Grand Avenue in Waukegan
Call: 847-689-4357.
PADS provides emergency shelter, street outreach, housing support, and diversion services.
For individuals fleeing domestic or sexual violence, A Safe Place offers emergency shelter and support; they can be reached at 1-800-600-SAFE or 847-249-4450.
Veterans
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838
This is available 24/7
Walk-In Center for Homeless Veterans
3001 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
Building 131 Room 270
(224) 610-1148
Fleeing Domestic Violence
Call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline - (877) 863-6338
This is available 24/7
Or you can visit The Network's website to chat anonymously through the Chat Hotline located at the top of the website's homepage.
A Safe Place in Lake County can be reached toll free at this hotline 1-800-600-SAFE or 847-249-4450.
You can also visit the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless website for more information and resources.
Coordinated Entry System
Individuals and families seeking shelter can access services primarily through the Coordinated Entry system, which is designed to streamline access to emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services. Assessments are conducted within seven days of initial contact and are available through several “open door” shelter providers, street outreach teams, and access points throughout the county, including township offices.
The primary method is by engaging with PADS Lake County, the lead agency for emergency shelter and street outreach. Individuals can walk into the PADS Resource Center at 1800 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085, or call 847-689-4357 during operating hours to be connected to shelter and assessed for housing services.
Outreach workers can also meet individuals in the community, providing direct support and conducting the necessary assessments.
Additionally, individuals can access Coordinated Entry through any of the designated access points across Lake County, including township offices and partner agencies.
211 is also widely used in our community.
Drop-In Centers and Street Outreach
Individuals seeking information about homeless drop-in centers or street outreach services can access support through several coordinated avenues.
The easiest and most immediate way to learn about available services is by calling 2-1-1, a 24/7 helpline that connects people to local resources, including outreach teams and drop-in centers.
Information is also available on the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless website at www.lakecountyhomeless.org, which outlines the Coordinated Entry process and provides links to partner agencies.
Please click here for warming center locations.
For direct outreach support, individuals can contact PADS Lake County, which operates the primary street outreach team in the region. Outreach staff can be reached at 847-616-5557 or by emailing info@padslakecounty.org. These teams engage with individuals living unsheltered, offering basic needs assistance, transportation, and connections to shelter and housing.
Providers or community members who need more detailed information about outreach or drop-in access can also reach out to the Continuum of Care contact person, Nicole Dote, at ndote@lakecountyil.gov.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies may assist with rental/mortgage, food, employment training/placement, financial management, energy assistance (LIHEAP), and temporary shelter.
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
2424 Washington Street, Suite 207
Waukegan, Illinois 60079
Telephone: 847-249-4330
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Public Housing Authorities
Housing Authority of the County of Lake
Phone:(847)223-1170 x2030
Email: lhocker@lakecountyha.org
North Chicago Housing Authority
Phone: (847) 785-4300 x111
Email: Ninachalmers@ncilha.org
Phone: (847) 244-8500
Email: cchambers@waukeganhousing.com