Illinois Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Illinois.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 12.3 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 25,832 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $290 million allocated in fiscal year 2025 budget
- Major Urban Centers: Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, Aurora
- Primary Challenges: Housing affordability crisis, mental health service gaps, rising inflation, recent migrant influx
Emergency Contact Numbers
Illinois Crisis Hotline
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Chicago Housing Assistance
311 or (312) 744-5000
For Short-Term Help
Suburban Cook County
(877) 426-6515
Housing and Rental Assistance
Domestic Violence Hotline
(877) 863-6338
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Illinois based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Illinois:
Pacific Garden Mission
City: Chicago
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, recovery programs
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men, women, and families
Phone: (312) 492-9410
Address: 1458 S. Canal St., Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: 24/7
Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC)
City: Chicago
Services: Central intake location for single adults, interim basic services
Restrictions: Limited capacity - call ahead to check availability
Phone: (773) 526-3707
Address: 2241 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL
Hours: 24/7
Journeys | The Road Home PADS Shelter
City: Multiple Suburban Cook Locations
Services: Overnight shelter, meals, supportive services
Restrictions: Rotates between faith communities
Phone: (847) 963-9163 x127
Email: t.kenter@journeystheroadhome.org
Hours: 7pm-7am at host sites
The Salvation Army
City: Multiple Locations
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive services
Restrictions: Varies by location
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Illinois:
Greater Chicago Food Depository
City: Chicago
Services: Food distribution through 800+ partner agencies
Requirements: None for many programs
Northern Illinois Food Bank
City: Geneva
Services: Mobile pantries, agency network, SNAP assistance
Requirements: None for emergency food
Catholic Charities
City: Multiple Locations
Services: Food pantries, meals, emergency assistance
Requirements: None
Midwest Food Bank
City: Normal, Peoria, Springfield
Services: Agency food distribution, disaster relief
Requirements: Distribution through partner agencies
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Illinois:
Heartland Alliance Health
City: Chicago
Services: Primary care, mental health, substance use treatment, outreach to homeless
Requirements: Sliding fee scale
CommunityHealth
City: Chicago
Services: Free medical, dental, and behavioral health care
Requirements: Uninsured, low-income
Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center
City: Chicago
Services: HIV/AIDS care, STI treatment, comprehensive health services
Requirements: None
Phone: (312) 572-4500
Address: 2020 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Illinois Department of Human Services
City: Statewide
Services: Mental health, substance abuse treatment, disability services
Requirements: Varies by program
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking programs and supervised camping options in Illinois:
All Chicago - Entry Point Program
City: Suburban Cook County
Services: Coordinated entry, emergency shelter referrals
Requirements: Call for assessment
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
City: Chicago
Services: Shelter, interim housing, permanent housing
Requirements: Intake process required
DuPage PADS
City: DuPage County
Services: Emergency shelter, interim housing, permanent supportive housing
Requirements: Contact for details
The Salvation Army Shield of Hope
City: Chicago
Services: Family shelter, case management, housing placement
Requirements: Families with children only
Phone: 311 or (312) 744-5000
Address: 924 N. Christiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60651
Hours: 24/7
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, hygiene products, and laundry services in Illinois:
The Night Ministry
City: Chicago
Services: Mobile outreach, hygiene kits, basic health services
Requirements: None
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services Community Service Centers
City: Chicago (6 locations)
Services: Basic needs, warming centers in winter, cooling centers in summer
Requirements: None
Sarah's Circle
City: Chicago
Services: Daytime center with showers, laundry, hygiene for women
Requirements: Women only
Phone: (773) 728-1991
Address: 4838 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Franciscan Outreach
City: Chicago
Services: Shower facilities, hygiene supplies, clothing
Requirements: None
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance, advocacy, and rights information in Illinois:
Legal Aid Chicago
City: Chicago
Services: Housing law, public benefits appeals, legal advocacy
Requirements: Low-income, residency restrictions may apply
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
City: Chicago
Services: Legal aid, policy advocacy, housing rights
Requirements: Currently or recently homeless
Prairie State Legal Services
City: Multiple locations in Northern and Central Illinois
Services: Housing law, public benefits, domestic violence, elder law
Requirements: Low-income, varies by program
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
City: Multiple locations in Central and Southern Illinois
Services: Housing, consumer, family law, public benefits
Requirements: Low-income
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs and public benefits in Illinois:
Illinois Department of Human Services
City: Statewide
Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, housing assistance
Requirements: Income and eligibility requirements vary
Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
City: Statewide
Services: Homelessness prevention, coordination of services
Requirements: Varies by program
Chicago Homeless Prevention Call Center
City: Chicago
Services: Rental, utility assistance, emergency vouchers
Requirements: Risk of homelessness, income guidelines
Phone: 311 or (312) 744-5000
Ask for: "Short-Term Help"
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm
Greater Chicago Food Depository Benefits Outreach
City: Chicago
Services: SNAP application assistance, Medicaid enrollment
Requirements: None for application assistance
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations providing assistance in Illinois:
Catholic Charities
City: Multiple locations
Services: Housing assistance, food pantries, case management
Requirements: None
The Salvation Army
City: Statewide
Services: Emergency shelter, food assistance, clothing, utility assistance
Requirements: Varies by program
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
City: Chicago
Services: Shelter, food, housing, job training, youth programs
Requirements: Varies by program
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
City: Statewide
Services: Housing, mental health, substance use treatment, children's services
Requirements: Varies by program
Illinois Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Illinois:
Homeless Bill of Rights
Illinois has enacted a Homeless Bill of Rights (775 ILCS 45/) which prohibits discrimination based on housing status. This legislation prevents denial of equal access to public services, housing, employment, and voter registration.
Key Protection: Prevents discrimination against people experiencing homelessness in access to public services, emergency medical care, and voting.
The Home Illinois Initiative
Established through HB2831 (signed into law in 2023), this law codified the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness to work across 17 state agencies to address homelessness.
Key Focus: Working toward "functional zero" homelessness through expansion of affordable housing, supportive services, and preventative measures.
Housing Banishment Laws
Illinois has restrictions that affect where people with certain past convictions can live, which can contribute to homelessness. Recent legislation has aimed to reform these restrictions to prevent housing instability.
Recent Changes: Efforts to reduce the size of banishment zones and increase housing options for vulnerable populations.
Housing Rights
Illinois enacted the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act and has various tenant protections such as the Safe Homes Act, which allows survivors of domestic or sexual violence to terminate leases early.
Key Protections: Protection against discrimination, eviction sealing provisions, and source of income protections in some jurisdictions.
State Funding
The state has allocated significant funding to address homelessness, including $290 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for homelessness interventions and housing assistance programs.
Program Areas: Supportive housing services, homeless youth services, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and rental assistance.
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Illinois, the following organizations can help:
Legal Aid Chicago
Provides free civil legal services to people living in poverty in Chicago.
Phone: (312) 341-1070
Website: legalaidchicago.org
Prairie State Legal Services
Offers free legal services for low-income persons and those over 60 in Northern and Central Illinois.
Phone: (800) 531-7057
Website: pslegal.org
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
Provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals in Central and Southern Illinois.
Phone: (877) 342-7891
Website: lincolnlegal.org
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Law Project
Offers legal services specifically for people experiencing homelessness.
Phone: (800) 940-1119
Website: chicagohomeless.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Illinois. Select a county to view specific information:
Cook County (Chicago)
County Seat: Chicago
Population: 5.2 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 76,375 people experiencing homelessness in Chicago (2022), with a dramatic increase in 2024
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Chicago does not have a formal ban on camping in public spaces but often conducts "cleanups" of encampments.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally not permitted in residential areas overnight.
- Panhandling: Protected as free speech, but aggressive panhandling is prohibited.
- Food Distribution: Permits may be required for large-scale distribution in public parks.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Cook County:
DuPage County
County Seat: Wheaton
Population: 932,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 295 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Not permitted in most public areas and parks.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited in most municipalities.
- Panhandling: Restrictions vary by municipality.
- Food Distribution: Permits typically required for public distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to DuPage County:
Lake County
County Seat: Waukegan
Population: 714,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 277 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited in most public spaces and forest preserves overnight.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally not permitted in public areas.
- Panhandling: Some municipal restrictions, though First Amendment protections apply.
- Food Distribution: Permits usually required for public distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Lake County:
Will County
County Seat: Joliet
Population: 700,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 341 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Not permitted in most public areas and parks.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited in residential areas.
- Panhandling: Some municipal restrictions may apply.
- Food Distribution: Permits may be required for public distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Will County:
Sangamon County
County Seat: Springfield
Population: 196,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 271 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Not permitted in most public areas of Springfield.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally not permitted in public areas overnight.
- Panhandling: Some restrictions in downtown Springfield have been challenged.
- Food Distribution: Permits may be required for public distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Sangamon County:
State-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Illinois to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Home Illinois Plan
Type: Comprehensive State Initiative
Eligibility: Various programs with different eligibility requirements
Benefits: Coordinated approach across 17 state agencies to prevent and end homelessness
How to Apply: Access varies by specific program, contact Illinois Department of Human Services
Emergency and Transitional Housing Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk
Benefits: Immediate shelter, supportive services, case management
How to Apply: Through local provider agencies or by calling the IDHS Helpline
Homeless Prevention Program
Type: Financial Assistance
Eligibility: Households at imminent risk of homelessness with a temporary economic crisis
Benefits: Rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, case management
How to Apply: Through local provider agencies or by calling 311 in Chicago
Youth Housing Assistance Program
Type: Youth-Focused Housing Support
Eligibility: Youth who have aged out of DCFS care or are at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Housing advocacy, cash assistance for housing costs, follow-up services
How to Apply: Through DCFS or partner agencies serving youth
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Illinois based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Warming/cooling centers
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners
Success Stories from Illinois
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Illinois:
Maria's Family Journey
Maria and her three children found themselves homeless after fleeing domestic violence. Initially staying with relatives, the crowded conditions became unsustainable. Through Catholic Charities in Springfield, they were connected with emergency shelter and then transitional housing while Maria completed job training.
"What made the difference was having a case manager who helped me navigate everything from childcare to job interviews. Now we have our own apartment, and I'm working as a certified nursing assistant. My kids are back in a stable school environment and feeling safe again."
Resources that helped: Domestic Violence Services, Emergency Shelter, Job Training, Housing Assistance
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Illinois have helped you.
Share Your StoryRobert's Journey
After losing his job during the economic downturn and subsequently his apartment, Robert lived in his car for six months in Chicago. Through outreach from The Night Ministry, he connected with emergency shelter and eventually transitional housing through Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
"The hardest part was taking that first step to ask for help. But once I did, I found there were people who genuinely cared and wanted to help me get back on my feet. Now I have stable housing and a job in building maintenance, and I even volunteer to help others who are going through what I experienced."
Resources that helped: Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Job Training, Transitional Housing