COVID-19 RESOURCES
Government and community organizations and resources
Please note that this list is still being updated with resources.
JOB-SEEKING RESOURCES
For job opportunities and general information about work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indeed is a recommended resource.
Below are a list of employers providing employment opportunities during the pandemic:
AmazonCVS PharmacyDomino'sEnvision UnlimitedJet's PizzaJewel OscoKeHEKroger/Mariano'sMeierMondelezWalgreensWalmart
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Please know that if you owe taxes, the Federal Government will allow you to defer payments for 90 days without penalty. In Chicago specifically, parking ticket and debt collection is suspended until April 30th, and there is a financial hardship application for individuals or businesses facing tax issues.
Numbers to call for financial emergencies
Chicago Emergency Fund: (312) 379-0301
In case of financial setback that may devolve into financial crisis.
Flexible Financial Fund: 3-1-1
For low-income families.
Unemployment
Illinois Department of Employment Security
For information on unemployment benefits relating specifically to Covid-19 and what to do if you find yourself unemployed due to the pandemic.
Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Payment for those who are now unemployed or lacking financial support directly due to the coronavirus or other presidentially declared emergencies.
Individual and family financial assistance
Broken Cherry Resource List
An ongoing resource list for service and hospitality professionals compiled by Broken Cherry.
USBG National Charity Foundation: Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
This program offers assistance for bartenders and their families during catostrophic events and emergencies. Bartenders do not have to be members of USBG to apply. If you believe you are eligible, fill out the application with supporting documents.
Sittercity
Essential workers and healthcare professionals are eligible for three months of Sittercity premium for free to receive care for their children.
Covid Hardship and Help Page
Open for anyone struggling financially in the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit site for information on submitting requests on behalf of yourself or others.
TANF Cash Aid
Cash assistance avaible for expecting parents and parents with children under the age of 19. 18 year old children must be full-time high school students for family to qualify for eligibility.
AABD Disability Assistance
A cash assistance program for people with disabilities who live in Illinois.
Credit Card Payment Relief Resource
An overview of assistance programs for credit card holders of various issuers.
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
A cash assistance fund for tipped and service workers struggling due to the coronavirus.
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund
Emergency funding for those employed by restaurants and bars and facing unforeseen expenses and financial need.
Student Emergency Fund
U & I Care Emergency Fund
Funds for students unable to meet essential expenses due to unexpected financial hardship.
Financial Assistance for businesses
Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance
Link leads to information on hospital emergency grant program, Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, and the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program.
Chicago Community Covid-19 Response Fund
A fund for nonprofit organizations to aid in dispersing services (such as emergency food, health care, interim housing, rental/mortgage assistance, and childcare.
Illinois Covid-19 Response Fund
Funds raised by individual, corporate, and foundation donors to be redistributed to nonprofits to serve individuals, families, and communities affected by Covid-19. Sign up for updates here.
Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
For small businesses. Applicants may take low-interest loans up to $50,000 once applications open on March 31st. Those interested in applying should fill out this form and will be contacted by a representative as soon as possible.
State of Illinois Small Business Administration Loans
Low-interest targeted loans for small businesses from the SBA working directly with state governors. Apply here.
Arts Community Resources
A list of community resources compiled by the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Includes loans and grants as well as resources for virtual programming.
Broken Cherry Resource List
An ongoing resource list for service and hospitality professionals compiled by Broken Cherry. Businesses can submit GoFundMe pages and other fundraisers to this page.
Dining at a Distance
Restaurants still offering takeout, curbside pick-up, or delivery services can submit their information here to advertise these services to customers.
RWCF Restaurant Workers COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund
Resources and funds for restaurants to bolster their funds with zero-interest loans to keep workers on their payroll. Applications open.
FOOD AND SHELTER RESOURCES
Food Pantries
Onward Neighborhood House
Basement of St. Peter's Church
2805 N Linder Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 622-3215
Open Thursdays from 4pm-6pm
Boundaries of Service:
Cicero Ave. to the EAST
Narragansett Ave. to the WEST
Belmont Ave. to the NORTH
Fullerton Ave. to the SOUTH
St. Cyprian Food Pantry
6535 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 283-9178
CONTACT: Joan Billingham
Open Monday and Thursday from 9am-11am
Service Area: Zip codes 60631, 60634, 60639, 60641, 60656, and Chicago side of 60707.
St. John Lutheran Church
4939 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
(312) 402-0005
CONTACT: Rick Paulsen
Open Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm
Service Area: Cook County.
Iglesia Evangelica Emmanuel
5016 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 237-1645
CONTACT: Tony Mariscal
Open every 2nd Tuesday from 8am-10am.
Service Area: Cook County.
Ravenswood Food Pantry
4550 N Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Open Tuesdays 5:30pm–7:30pm
Lakeview Food Pantry
Sheridan Market
3945 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 525-1777
EXTENDED monthly food distribution hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri: 11am – 4pm
Tues & Thur: 4 – 7:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am – 3pm
La Casa Norte's Fresh Market
3533 W. North Ave, First Floor, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-4900
Fresh Market Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 11am – 3pm
Community Café Hot Meal Program Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 5:30 – 6:30pm
Garfield Park Baptist Church Food Pantry
1061 E Southern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Open the 2nd and 4th Thursday from 6pm–8pm.
Boundaries of Service:
Minnesota St on the NORTH
Hanna Ave on the SOUTH
Meridian St to the WEST
Keystone Ave to the EAST
[Please bring a picture ID, proof of residence, and social security card for each member of the household.]
Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Food Pantry
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
1937 S. 50th Avenue, Cicero, Illinois 60804
(708) 863-4913
Open Tuesdays, 2pm–5:30pm
Catholic Charities West Suburban/Chicago Food Bank
1400 S Austin Blvd, Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 329-4046
CONTACT: Angela Christian
Open:
Mon & Tues: 9:30 am-11am; 12:30 pm-2pm
Thur: 2:00-6:00 pm
Service Area: West Suburbs
Beyond Hunger Food Pantry
848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
Open:
Saturdays: 9:00am–12:00pm
1st Wednesday of the month: 3:30pm–6:30pm
All other Wednesdays: 3:30pm–5:00 pm
Housing Assistance
City of Chicago partnering with YMCA
The City of Chicago reached a new agreement with the YMCA of Metro Chicago to protect those experiencing homelessness by providing increased access to emergency shelter at select YMCA locations during the Stay-at-Home Order issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This expanded partnership will create approximately 400 additional shelter beds and enable current shelters to abide by social distancing practices, requiring individuals to be spaced at least six feet apart. An additional 500 beds at other sites are anticipated later this week.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, medicine, food, clothing, and transportation.
Trina Davila Community Center
4300 W North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639
(312) 744-2014
Rental assistance. Available through phone only.
Homeless Shelters
If you do not have shelter, you can find a homeless shelter by visiting a hospital emergency room or police station OR dialing 3-1-1.
Other Related Assistance
Chicago Public Schools
ALL Chicago Public Schools offer free meal pick-ups for families (regardless of whether or not they attend) during mandatory closure. Food is available for pick-up between 9am and 1pm Monday through Friday until further notice.
Woman, Infants, and Children
Food assistance program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children to stay healthy.
WIC coupons can be printed at the Austin WIC office located at 4909 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60651. Office is open from 8:30am–4pm.
Older adults and caregivers
AABD Disability Assistance
A cash assistance program for people with disabilities who live in Illinois. Also applies to those aged 65 and up.
URGENT NEEDS
Disaster Distress Hotline and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you are in distress, please call someone at either or both of these numbers.
Meals on Wheels and Feeding America
For meal options in your zip code.
Eldercare Locator
To find local services for transportation assistance.
GoodRX or NeedyMeds
If you need medicine.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program or Medicare.gov
For advice and help with Medicare.
BenefitsCheckup.org
For benefits assistance, find options in your state to help with utility bill payments, prescription drug costs, and more.
Phone Numbers
Direct Phone Numbers to Areas on Aging Still in Operation
Alaine Kvedaras
(630) 293-5990 ext. 105
[email protected]
DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties
Joyce Gallagher
(312) 746-5682
[email protected]
City of Chicago
Joan Fox
(708) 383-0258
[email protected]
Suburban Cook County
Senior Shopping Hours
ALDI
ALDI stores will open at 8:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and ask the first hour is reserved for the most vulnerable shoppers, including senior citizens, expectant mothers, and those with underlying health conditions. ALDI stores across the country will be open for regular hours from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily. Some stores may have limited hours to accommodate restocking and cleaning.
Capri IGA
All days 9:00am–10:00am for seniors and at-risk customers.
Caputo's
Open Tuesday–Thursday from 6:00am–7:30am for seniors and at-risk customers.
County Market
All days 6:00am–8:00am for seniors and at-risk customers.
Dollar General
First hour of operations (8:00am–9:00am) dedicated solely to the shopping needs of senior customers. Stores will also close an hour earlier than usual in order to give staff time to clean and restock shelves.
Eurofresh Market
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00am–9:00am for seniors.
Fairplay Foods
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00am–9:00am for vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns.
Food 4 Less
Store hours 8:00am–8:00pm. Senior citizen shopping is designated for Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30am–8:00am.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE
Staying Connected While Staying Home
Tips for seniors to avoid isolation.
Coronavirus: What Older Adults Need to Know
General information for older adults in terms of the risks of coronavirus and what to be mindful of.
Do Your Part to Stem COVID-19: An Intergenerational Call to Action
Advice for older adults to do their part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
HEALTH AND SAFETY RESOURCES
Health
Quarantine and Isolation Sites
For individuals awaiting test results or testing positive for the coronavirus who do not need hospital care but who cannot safely return home, the City of Chicago has converted several downtown hospitals into quarantine and isolation sites.
More information on the Quarantine and Isolation sites.
Safety
Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 25-ABUSE
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate support for
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline
(877) 863-6338
Crisis intervention, information, and referrals for survivors of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
24/7 crisis intervention and support for survivors of domestic violence.
Information
from the city of chicago
Quarantine and Isolation Sites
For individuals awaiting test results or testing positive for the coronavirus who do not need hospital care but who cannot safely return home, the City of Chicago has converted several downtown hospitals into quarantine and isolation sites.
More information on the Quarantine and Isolation sites.
City of Chicago Coronavirus Updates
For more information and updates on COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, E-mail [email protected] or visit chicago.gov/coronavirus.
Educational Resources
for kids at home
Free Educational Resources
This site directs users to various free resources for school-aged children such as virtual field trips, virtual libraries, e-books, and more.
Scholastic Learn at Home
Here, students can select a grade level and be connected with different books and associated activities.
Nat Geo 4 Kids
Users can explore national parks, play games, and interact with stem projects.
ABCya!
Learning games and puzzles for kids K-6.
Funbrain
Interactive educational games for kids K-8
Highlights Kids
Interactive videos ranging from jokes, hidden pictures, hidden pictures and easy, healthy recipes to make at home.
Storyline Online
A variety of books for kids of all ages.
Wonderopolis
Users can explore many wonders! This website offers a “wonder of the day” and users can explore a myriad of scientific wonders and questions.
SwitchZoo
Users can learn about different animals through interactive games and videos. Make new animals, play animal puzzles, take a guided tour or join a zoo quest!
Kids Discover
Users can sign up for a free account where they can interact with videos and activities from specific topics such as space exploration, United States history and DNA.
Time for Kids
Time Magazine’s kids version allows students to read engaging articles for their grade level.
Go Noodle
Engaging and exciting activities that get kids moving and exercising!
for teachers
Scholastic Resources
This offers guidance for teachers using Scholastic Learn at Home to help their students as well as advice on remote learning and tips for more effective virtual lessons.
PBS Learning Media
Best for teachers grades 6-12th. A library of videos covering a variety of subjects curated for educational purposes.
Learning A-Z
Educational technology company dedicated to expanding literacy through thoughtfully designed resources.
BrainPOP
Free use during school closures. Covers different units and topics for all, major subject areas.
Vooks
Teachers can get a year of subscription for free. Animated storybooks for use in classrooms.
Boom Learning
Users are eligible for free accounts during school closures. Website provides educational, interactive card decks for students.
ABC Mouse
NOTE: Only free for 30 days. Full, online curriculum for children aged 2-8.
For families
Scholastic Resources
This offers guidance for families using Scholastic Learn at Home to help their children. These resources include worksheets, tips, videos, and readings.
Phonics Hero
Introduces and keep children at an appropriate reading level for their age. 3 years of content will take children from sounding out their first word to the limitless world of independent reading.