This page connects Chicago and Cook County residents with organizations that may provide food, shelter, rental assistance, utility assistance, health coverage, legal help, employment services, senior support, disability services, and crisis assistance.
Brother Jim Ministry does not operate or control the organizations listed below. Services, funding, eligibility requirements, office hours, and availability may change. Please contact each organization directly for current information.
Start Here: Chicago 311
Chicago 311 can connect residents with non-emergency city services, homeless shelter placement, senior services, rental assistance information, and other local programs.
Phone: 311
Outside Chicago: 312-744-5000
Website: Visit Chicago 311
A person who needs emergency shelter should go to a hospital emergency room or police station and call 311 for placement assistance.
Food Assistance
Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository maintains a searchable directory of food pantries, free grocery programs, meal programs, and other food resources throughout Chicago and Cook County.
Phone: 773-247-3663
Website: Find food near you
The Food Depository can also help people apply for SNAP food benefits and Medicaid.
Benefits assistance: 773-247-3663
Illinois SNAP and Medical Benefits
Illinois residents can use the Application for Benefits Eligibility system to apply for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, cash assistance, and certain other state benefits.
Phone: 800-843-6154
TTY: 866-324-5553
Website: Apply for Illinois benefits
Homeless Shelters and Housing Assistance
Emergency Shelter Placement
People in Chicago who need emergency shelter should call 311. The City recommends going to a hospital emergency room or police station and asking for shelter-placement assistance through 311.
Phone: 311
Outside Chicago: 312-744-5000
Website: Chicago homeless shelter information
Chicago Rental Assistance
The City of Chicago’s Rental Assistance Program may help qualifying households experiencing a financial crisis, such as job loss, illness, fire, or another emergency.
Phone: 311
Website: Chicago rental-assistance information
Assistance is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility and available funding.
Utility-Bill Assistance
CEDA
CEDA provides assistance for eligible Cook County households with heating, electricity, water, furnace services, weatherization, and other needs.
Phone: 800-571-2332
Website: CEDA utility-bill assistance
Suburban Cook County residents may also contact CEDA Family and Community Support Services.
Phone: 312-795-8948
Locations: Find a CEDA location
Free and Low-Cost Legal Help
Legal Aid Chicago
Legal Aid Chicago provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Chicago and suburban Cook County. Areas of assistance may include housing, eviction, public benefits, consumer problems, family safety, education, and other civil matters.
Client intake: 312-341-1070
Website: Apply for help from Legal Aid Chicago
The intake line begins accepting calls on weekdays at 8:00 a.m. A limited number of callers may be accepted each day, so calling early is recommended.
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free legal information, court forms, checklists, and step-by-step guidance. It does not replace advice from an attorney.
Website: Illinois Legal Aid Online
Employment and Unemployment Assistance
Illinois Department of Employment Security
The Illinois Department of Employment Security handles unemployment claims and provides employment-related information.
Unemployment claimant services: 800-244-5631
IllinoisJobLink assistance: 877-342-7533
Website: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Chicago Workforce Services
Chicago workforce programs can help residents access job preparation, training, placement services, internet access, telephone access, and résumé tools.
Phone: 312-743-0300
Website: Chicago workforce services
Senior Services
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Chicago’s Senior Services Division provides information for older adults and caregivers, including senior centers, meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits assistance, and other aging-related programs.
Information and Assistance: 312-744-4016
Phone: 311
Website: Chicago senior services
Disability Services
Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services
The Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities pursue employment, education, independent living, home services, and other forms of support.
Voice: 877-581-3690
TTY: 866-264-2149
Videophone: 312-957-4881
Website: Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services
Domestic-Violence Assistance
Illinois Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline
The statewide hotline provides confidential support, information, referrals, legal advocacy connections, and help locating domestic-violence services or shelter.
24-hour hotline: 877-863-6338
TTY: 877-863-6339
Website: Illinois domestic-violence assistance
A person does not have to leave their home or relationship before calling for information and support.
Mental-Health and Emotional Crisis Support
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress, or another mental-health crisis.
Call: 988
Text: 988
Online chat: 988 Lifeline chat
Website: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Emergency Notice
Call 911 when someone is in immediate danger, when a serious crime is occurring, or when urgent police, fire, or medical assistance is required.
Brother Jim Ministry is not an emergency service, shelter-placement agency, legal office, medical provider, government agency, or licensed counseling organization.
Report Outdated Information
Resource information can change. Please contact Brother Jim Ministry if you discover a disconnected number, broken link, closed organization, or outdated program listing.
Email: brotherjimministries@gmail.com
Last reviewed: July 2026