This resource directory provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Families may wish to begin searching for resources in their local community using these links:
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
IDHS provides a listing of state supported programs for assistance and an Early Intervention Office Locator to assist families in finding an office in their local community.
Illinois Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies are a hub for local services for families. Many of these agencies provide resources both basic needs and well being. This IACCA Member Directory provides listings of local agencies.
211 Hotline
The 211 hotline serves many communities throughout the state of Illinois. Simply dial 211 on your phone to connect to an operator who can help you find services and supports in your local community.
Basic Needs
Families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity first need help finding food, shelter, and clothing to meet their basic needs. This section contains links to Illinois agencies that provide these necessities.
Food Resources
Emergency and Supplemental Food Resources
These links can help families find emergency and supplemental food resources in their local community.
- Food Connections
The IDHS Food Connections directory lists agencies that provide supplemental food, emergency meal, and other feeding programs. Listings are by region and county. - Food Banks
This graphic map from Feeding Illinois shows the coverage areas of Illinois Food Banks by County. - Illinois Pantries, Soup Kitchens, and Homeless Shelters
Search for emergency food resources in Illinois including Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens and Homeless Shelters by city, county, and program type by city, county, or zipcode. - Summer Food Service Program
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides listings of Summer Food Service Program sites where children can receive a nutritious meal when school is not in session.
Ongoing Assistance with Food
Families may apply to the programs below for ongoing support to meet their nutritional needs.
- Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps) & Medical Assistance
This link provides information on eligibility and the application process for the SNAP benefits program in Illinois. - Illinois Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants, and Children program provides supplemental nutrition resources, including infant formula or breastfeeding supports through supplemental food and breast pumps to infants and children under age five and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding mothers. - Homeless Children in School Nutrition Program
Homeless children in Illinois are entitled to free meals from school feeding programs. This link provides a slide show from ISBE about explaining the policies and documentation requirements for this entitlement.
Housing Resources
General Housing Information
These links provide general information to help families locate housing-related resources in their local area.
- Rental Housing Resources
This website has information about rental assistance through the Illinois Housing Development Authority and links to various programs that provide rental assistance and subsidized housing. - HUD Resource Locator
This webpage provides a map-based search for affordable housing, local public housing authorities, homeless resources, and HUD offices across the United States. - Illinois Housing Search
This website provides an online search for affordable housing in Illinois. In addition, it provides detailed information and links to housing resources, helpful tools for renters such as an affordability calculator, rental checklist, and information about renter rights and responsibilities. - Need Homeless Assistance?
This link provides a listing of Illinois Continuum of Care Agencies that can help to find affordable housing in local communities and - Domestic Violence Victim Service Office Locator
Domestic violence is common experience for families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This link provides a list of shelters and agencies that can assist.
Shelters, Transitional Housing, and Emergency Child Care
These links provide information about emergency shelter, temporary housing, and short-term crisis child care available in Illinois.
- Emergency & Transitional Housing Program
This IDHS webpage provides a description of emergency and transitional housing services as well as a list of FY 22 Emergency and Transitional Housing Providers in the State of Illinois. - Crisis Nursery Programs
When families are in the process of figuring out emergency housing, they may find temporary child care for their young children to be a helpful support. Families in Illinois with children under the age of six may call for assistance or be referred by a friend, family member, school, or social services agency for child care help during a short-term crisis situation. This tab provides contact information for the nurseries located in Urbana, Springfield, Rockford, Bloomington, Chicago, and Peoria. Call the local nursery listed for direct assistance.
Programs to Support Housing Insecure Families
These links provide directories of services and programs that are designed to prevent housing insecure families from becoming homeless.
- Homeless Prevention
This IDHS webpage provides a description of services available in the state of Illinois to help families who are housing insecure to prevent homelessness. A link to a list of FY 22 Homeless Prevention Providers throughout Illinois is provided. - Utility Bill Assistance
This webpage from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Provides information about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Illinois and the Home Weatherization program. - Community Action Agencies
This webpage from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Provides information about the Community Services Blog Grant Program (CSBG) that allows local community action agencies to help families secure a variety of supports including rental assistance.
Clothing and Diapers
These links provide resources for clothing and diapers. Food pantries, emergency shelters, and community action agencies may also distribute these items.
- Member Diaper Banks
This directory provides links to diaper banks across the Illinois and the United States. Families in Illinois that live in the St. Louis metropolitan area may want to connect with with St. Louis Area Diaper Bank for assistance.
Educational Rights
Families experiencing homelessness should be aware of their rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. This tab contains resources to help families understand their rights and access educational opportunities.
- Rights of Families Experiencing Homelessness
This tip sheet from the Illinois Early Learning Project contains information about the educational rights of homeless families. - Keeping Track of Important Information
Families may work with their local school district’s homeless liaison to locate the documentation needed to complete school enrollment paperwork and apply for public benefits. This tip sheet from the Illinois Early Learning Project suggests strategies for locating and tracking key information. - Map with Contacts
This map provides contact information for the regional homeless education liaisons of ISBE. - Homeless Children in School Nutrition Program
Homeless children in Illinois are entitled to free meals from school feeding programs. This link provides a slide show from ISBE about explaining the policies and documentation requirements for this entitlement.
Early Care and Education
Families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity should have the same access to child care and child development services as those who are not experiencing these challenges. This tab contains links to publicly funded early care and education (ECE) services in Illinois. Families may wish to start by looking at the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development website for an overview of the programs that serve children and families in Illinois as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
ECE Programs
These links can help families find ECE programs in their local community. The local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R) is a great place to begin your search. The CCR&R can help you figure out what ECE programs have openings in your local area, assist with applications for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and link parents to related services.
- ExceleRate Illinois
The Excelerate Illinois website has a search feature for families to help them find ECE programs in their local community. This includes publicly funded ECE programs, child care centers, and licensed home child care providers. This program is run by The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). - Head Start Center Locator
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program and offers preschool, child care, and home visiting services in a variety of formats. Find your local Head Start and Early Head Start Programs using this online program locator. - CCAP Eligibility/How to Apply
Families can apply for assistance with paying for child care which can enable parents to maintain stable employment or enroll in school. - Preschool for All Children Ages 3 to 5 Years
This webpage describes the ISBE Preschool for All Program. - Crisis Nursery Programs
Families in Illinois with children under the age of six may call for assistance or be referred by a friend, family member, school, or social services agency for child care help during a short-term crisis situation. This tab provides contact information for the nurseries located in Urbana, Springfield, Rockford, Bloomington, Chicago, and Peoria. Call the local nursery listed for direct assistance.
Child Growth and Development
Families with questions about their child’s growth and development may ask their local school district, public health office, or health care provider for assistance. The services listed below provide resources to help families understand and support their child’s development.
- Developmental Screenings
This link to the IDHS website describes various types of developmental screenings for children in Illinois and provides links to the agencies who provide these services. - Child and Family Connections Offices
Families may reach out to their local CFC Office to request a developmental screening for children from birth through age 3. - Getting Started in Early Intervention
This link to the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse website can help families of infants and toddlers under the age of three years with concerns about their child’s development or an identified developmental delay or disability get started with Early Intervention Program.
Home Visiting and Parent Education Programs
Home visiting programs can help parents and caregivers learn more about their child’s development and health. Home visitors can also help strengthen families by providing education about positive parenting practices and linking them to additional services. The links below can help families find home visiting programs that serve their local community.
- Illinois Home Visiting
Families may wonder what will happen during a home visit. This webpage from iGrow Illinois helps families understand the benefits of participating in a home visiting program. - Find a Program
This webpage from iGrow Illinois provides a searchable list and interactive map to help families find home visiting programs.
Family Well Being
Once families have found resources to meet their basic needs, they can considers ways to strengthen their family. These services help families improve their economic situation and overall resilience in the face of the challenges they have experienced due to homelessness or housing insecurity. This tab contains links to services including care for physical and mental health, substance abuse treatment, and career supports for Illinois families.
Health Care and Education
The links below provide information about Illinois programs that can help families access health care and learn about healthy lifestyle choices. Home Visiting Programs and Head Start Programs may be helpful when families are trying to locate health and dental services.
- Find a Program
This webpage from iGrow Illinois provides a searchable list and interactive map to help families find home visiting programs. - Head Start Center Locator
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program and offers preschool, child care, and home visiting services in a variety of formats. Find your local Head Start and Early Head Start Programs using this online program locator. - Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
This webpage helps individuals locate the health care program that is suited to their needs and includes information about publicly funded health care programs. - All Kids
The All Kids website provides information about eligibility and services provided by the state comprehensive health care program for children in Illinois. - Moms and Babies
The Moms and Babies program provides health care to pregnant women and their infants to ensure a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. This link provides information about eligibility and services. - Health Regions and Local Health Departments
Contact your local public health department for assistance with immunizations, information about communicable diseases, and health promotion programs. This link provides an interactive map can help you find your local or regional public health office. - Find a Health CenterCommunity Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, provide care regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. This link provides a locator to help families find a center in their local community.
- Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
The SNAP-Ed and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Programs (EFNEP) provide nutrition education to SNAP recipients and limited resource families in order to help them maintain a healthy diet on a limited budget. - Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants, and Children program provides supplemental nutrition resources to children under age five and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding mothers. The WIC program also provides health and nutrition education.
Mental Health Services and Support
The links below provide information about organizations and programs that provide information and resources for mental health.
- Search for Treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA website provides listings of treatment facilties. Enter your zip code or city to find programs in your area. - Find a Health CenterCommunity Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, provide care regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. Some of these centers provide referrals or treatment for substance abuse disorders. This link provides a locator to help families find a center in their local community.
- Support Groups
Support groups may help individuals maintain wellness and find peer support. This link to the The Illinois Chapter of NAMI provides links to local chapters with support group meetings around the State of Illinois. - Support
DBSA chapters offer peer-run support groups through the state of Illinois as well as an online mindful parenting support network. This link can help you find a local support group as well as online resources.
Substance Abuse Services and Support
The Links below provide information about substance abuse, support groups, and treatment options in Illinois.
- Division Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
IDHS provides a variety of resources related to alcoholism and substance abuse on their website. This link includes a variety of informational pamphlets and hotline numbers for assistance. - Search for Treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA website provides listings of treatment facilties. Enter your zip code or city to find programs in your area. - Find a Health CenterCommunity Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, provide careregardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. Some of these centers provide referals or treatment ofr substance abuse disorders. This link provides a locator to help families find a center in their local community.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA provides support group meetings throughout Illinois and around the world for indivudals struggling with alcoholism. This link allows you to enter your zipcode to find a meeting near you. - Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
NA provides support group meetings throughout Illinois and around the world for individuals struggling with drug addiction. This link allows you to enter your zipcode to find a meeting near you.
Education, Employment and Career Supports
The links below provide information about programs for employment, vocational training, and career resources that can help families increase their economic security.
- Find an Adult Education Program in Your Area
The Illinois Community College Board provides information about adult education in Illinois. The site has an Adult Education Program locator that is searchable by Zip Code. - GED Online Learning (GED-i)
This website from the Illinois Community College board contains information about the GED test in Illinois and test preparation materials. - State of Illinois Workforce Portal
Illinois WorkNet Provides a wide variety of information about job searching, career choice, and adult educational opportunities.
This project is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0001-01-00, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
IEL Resources
Web Resources
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211 Hotline
Source: United Way
The 211 hotline serves many communities throughout the state of Illinois. Simply dial 211 on your phone to connect to an operator who can help you find services and supports in your local community.
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Alcoholics Anonymous
Source: Alcoholics Anonymous
AA provides support group meetings throughout Illinois and around the world for indivudals struggling with alcoholism. This link allows you to enter your zipcode to find a meeting near you.
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All Kids
Source: Illinois.gov
Formerly known as Illinois KidCare, The All Kids website provides information about eligibility and services provided by the state comprehensive health care program for children in Illinois.
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CCAP Eligibility/How to Apply
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Families can apply for assistance with paying for child care. This can enable parents to maintain stable employment or enroll in school.
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Community Action Agencies
Source: Illinois.gov
This webpage from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Provides information about the Community Services Blog Grant Program (CSBG) that allows local community action agencies to help families secure a variety of supports including rental assistance.
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Crisis Nursery Programs
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
When families are in the process of figuring out emergency housing, they may find temporary child care for their young children to be a helpful support. Families in Illinois with children under the age of six may call for assistance or be referred by a friend, family member, school, or social services agency for child care help during a short-term crisis situation. This tab provides contact information for the nurseries located in Urbana, Springfield, Rockford, Bloomington, Chicago, and Peoria. Call the local nursery listed for direct assistance.
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Developmental Screeings
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This link to the IDHS website describes various types of developmental screenings for children in Illinois and provides links to the agencies who provide these services.
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Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
IDHS provides a variety of resources related to alcoholism and substance abuse on their website. This link includes a variety of informational pamphlets and hotline numbers for assistance.
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Domestic Violence Victim Services Office Locator
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Domestic violence is common experience for families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This link provides a list of shelters and agencies that can assist.
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Early Intervention Office Locator
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This early intervention office locator allows you to search by your Illinois county to find your local Child and Family Connections office.
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Emergency & Transitional Housing Program
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This page provides a description of emergency and transitional housing services as well as a link to a list of emergency and transitional housing centers located in the State of Illinois.
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Find a Health Center
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Community Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, provide care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This link provides a locator to help families find a center in their local community.
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Find a Program
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This webpage from iGrow Illinois provides a searchable list and interactive map to help families find homevisiting programs.
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Find an Adult Education Program in Your Area
Source: Illinois Community College Board
The Illinois Community College Board provides information about adult education in Illinois. The site has an Adult Education Program locator that is searchable by Zip Code.
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Food Connections
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This directory lists agencies that provide supplemental food, emergency meal, and other feeding programs in Illinois. Listings are by region and county.
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FY 22 Emergency and Transitional Housing Providers
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This webpage contains a directory of emergency and transitional housing centers in Illinois.
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FY22 Homeless Prevention Providers
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This webpage provides a link of homeless prevention providers in Illinois.
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GED Online Learning (GED-i)
Source: Illinois.gov
This website from the Illinois Community College board contains information about the GED test in Illinois and test preparation materials.
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Getting Started in Early Intervention
(also in Spanish)Source: Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
This page includes information on making a referral to a local Child & Family Connections office (CFC) for an evaluation. All CFC offices have a parent liaison on staff to provide consultation to EI teams and families. Parent liaisons are parents or guardians of a child with special needs.
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Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development
Source: Illinois.gov
This agency leads the state’s initiatives to create an integrated system of quality, early learning and development programs to help give all Illinois children a strong educational foundation before they begin kindergarten. Resources and information for families and child care providers is provided.
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Head Start Center Locator
Source: Head Start ECLKC
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program and offers preschool, child care, and home visiting services in a variety of formats. Find local Head Start and Early Head Start Programs using this online program locator.
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Health Regions and Local Health Departments
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health
This web site provides a map of Illinois with corresponding health departments by region.
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Home Weatherization
Source: Illinois.gov
The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient. IHWAP also provides many health and safety upgrades ensuring safe and healthy homes. Energy conservation and health and safety measures provided through home weatherization can ensure citizens have access to more affordable energy services.
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Homeless Children in School Nutrition Programs
Source: Illinois State Board of Education
Homeless children in Illinois are entitled to free meals from school feeding programs. This PPT provides a slide show about explaining the policies and documentation requirements for this entitlement.
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Homeless Prevention
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This page provides a description of services available in the state of Illinois to help families who are housing insecure to prevent homelessness. A link to a directory of service providers throughout Illinois is provided.
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HUD Resource Locator
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
This web page provides a map-based search for affordable housing, local public housing authorities, homeless resources, and HUD offices across the United States.
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IACAA Member Directory
Source: Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
This webpage provides a list of members in the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies.
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Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
Source: Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies are a hub for local services for families. Many of these agencies provide resources both basic needs and well being.
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Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Source: Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
This webpage helps individuals locate the health care program that is suited to their needs and includes information about publicly funded health care programs.
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Illinois Department of Human Services
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
The Department of Human Services provides Illinois residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.IDHS provides equitable access to social/human services, supports, programs, and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve.
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Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
(also in Spanish)Source: Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
The provides a collection of services for families of children from birth to age 3 who have disabilities or developmental delays or who are at risk of having developmental delays. Links to a form to request materials from the lending library is provided.
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Illinois Home Visiting
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Families may wonder what will happen during a home visit. This webpage helps families understand the benefits of participating in a home visiting program.
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Illinois Housing Search
(also in Spanish)Source: ILHousingSearch.org
This web site provides an online search for affordable housing in Illinois. In addition, it provides detailed information and links to housing resources, helpful tools for renters such as an affordability calculator, rental checklist, and information about renter rights and responsibilities.
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Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
Source: University of Illinois Extension
The SNAP-Ed and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Programs (EFNEP) provide nutrition education to SNAP recipients and limited resource families in order to help them maintain a healthy diet on a limited budget.
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Illinois Pantries, Soup Kitchens and Homeless Shelters
Source: Illinois Emergency Food Program Portal
Search for emergency food resources in Illinois by city, county, and program type by city, county, or zipcode.
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Map with Contacts
Source: Illinois State Board of Education
This map can help help individuals locate the regional homeless education liaison their your area.
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Member Diaper Bank
Source: National Diaper Bank Network
This page provides links to community-based diaper banks throughout the U.S.
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Moms and Babies
Source: Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
The Moms and Babies program provides health care to pregnant women and their infants to ensure a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. This link provides information about eligibility and services.
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Narcotics Anonymous
Source: Narcotics Anonymous
NA provides support group meetings throughout Illinois and around the world for individuals struggling with drug addiction. This link allows you to enter your zipcode to find a meeting near you.
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Need Homeless Assistance?
Source: HUD Exchange
This website helps individuals contact a person in your their community who helps people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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Preschool for All Children Age 3 to 5 Years
Source: Illinois State Board of Education
This page provides information and links for specific requirements of implementing the Preschool for All grant.
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Rental Housing Resources
Source: Illinois Housing Development Authority
This website has information about rental assistance through the Illinois Housing Development Authority and links to various programs that provide rental assistance and subsidized housing.
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Search for Treatment
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA website provides listings of treatment facilties. Enter your zip code or city to find programs in your area.
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St. Louis Area Diaper Bank
Source: St. Louis Area Diaper Bank
This diaper bank provides resources to Illinois residents living in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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State of Illinois Workforce Portal
Source: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois WorkNet Provides a wide variety of information about job searching, career choice, and adult educational opportunities.
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Summer Food Service Program
Source: Illinois State Board of Education
This is a listing of sites where children can receive a nutritious meal when school is not in session.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
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Support
Source: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
DBSA chapters offer peer-run support groups through the state of Illinois as well as an online mindful parenting support network. This link can help you find a local support group as well as online resources.
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Support Groups
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Support groups may help individuals maintain wellness and find peer support. This link to The Illinois Chapter of NAMI provides links to local chapters with support group meetings around the State of Illinois.
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Utility Bill Assistance
Source: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
This web page provides information about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Illinois and a link to a directory of Community Action Agencies that administer the program.
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Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
This program provides supplemental nutrition resources, including infant formula or breastfeeding supports through supplemental food and breast pumps to infants and children under age five and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding mothers.