All Chicago Emergency Financial Assistance
One-time emergency money for rent, mortgage, security deposits and utility bills for families at risk of losing housing. Call 311 and ask for short-term assistance.
Verified 9/29/2026
Housing, Rent & Utility Help in Chicago
Emergency rent money, free eviction help, family shelters, help with gas and electric bills, and first-time homebuyer programs.
Area
36 resources
Cabrini Green Legal Aid
Legal help for people affected by the criminal legal system, including record sealing and expungement, which can open doors to jobs and housing.
6 S. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603
Verified 9/29/2026
CARPLS Legal Aid Hotline
FREE legal advice by phone for Cook County residents: family, housing, eviction, debt, criminal record clearing and more.
Verified 9/29/2026
Catholic Charities Families in Transition (FIT)
Homelessness prevention help for families at risk of losing their housing.
2601 W. Marquette Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
Verified 9/29/2026
Catholic Charities Resource Hub
One number for Catholic Charities help: emergency rent and utility assistance, SNAP (food stamps) sign-up help, free CityKey ID help, and domestic violence support.
721 N. LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654
Verified 9/29/2026
CEDA Utility Bill Assistance (LIHEAP)
FREE help paying gas and electric bills for income-eligible Cook County households. Opens Oct 1, 2026 for families with kids under 5, seniors, people with disabilities and disconnected homes; Nov 1 for everyone.
Verified 9/29/2026
Chicago 311 City Services
Call 311 for any City of Chicago service or question: emergency shelter, cooling/warming centers, rodent or trash problems, no-heat complaints and more. From outside the city: (312) 744-5000.
Verified 9/29/2026
Chicago Emergency Shelter for Families (Call 311)
Families who need shelter can call 311, or go to any police station or hospital emergency room, 24/7. The city arranges transportation and placement into open shelter beds.
Verified 9/29/2026
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)
Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for Chicago families. Check waitlist status online. Emergency line: (312) 542-8850.
60 E. Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605
Verified 9/29/2026
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
FREE legal help from volunteer lawyers for low-income Cook County residents: custody, child support, divorce, guardianship, adoption, housing, wills and immigration.
33 N. Dearborn St, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
Verified 9/29/2026
Chinese American Service League
Immigration help, legal services, family and behavioral health, housing support, benefits help and education from early childhood to adult. A state Illinois Welcoming Center.
2141 S. Tan Ct, Chicago, IL 60616
Verified 9/29/2026
City of Chicago Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
City program that pays back rent, future rent or a security deposit for low-income Chicagoans at risk of homelessness, regardless of immigration status. Currently closed until new funding arrives; Community Service Centers can help with questions.
Verified 9/29/2026
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (Early Resolution Program)
FREE legal help and mediation for Cook County renters facing eviction and people with debt problems, regardless of income or immigration status. Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm; Spanish and Polish available.
Verified 9/29/2026
Cornerstone Community Outreach
Christian shelters for homeless families and individuals (Hannah, Naomi and Sylvia family shelters) with help moving into stable housing.
4628 N. Clifton Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Verified 9/29/2026
CPS Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
Help for CPS students without stable housing (doubled up, in a shelter, motel or car): free meals, waived school fees, supplies, tutoring and transportation. Can enroll right away without the usual papers.
42 W. Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602
Verified 9/29/2026
DFSS Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
Verified 9/29/2026
DFSS Englewood Community Service Center
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1140 W. 79th St, Chicago, IL 60620
Verified 9/29/2026
DFSS Garfield Community Service Center
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Verified 9/29/2026
DFSS North Area Community Service Center
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
845 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Verified 9/29/2026
DFSS South Chicago Community Service Center
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8650 S. Commercial Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
Verified 9/29/2026
DFSS Trina Davila Community Service Center
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4312 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
Verified 9/29/2026
HANA Center
Immigration and legal services, community education, wellness programs and housing help. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
4300 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Verified 9/29/2026
Housing Authority of Cook County
Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for suburban Cook County, including applications and waitlists.
1710 East End Ave, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Verified 9/29/2026
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
For tenants with a pending eviction court case: up to $10,000 in past-due rent, up to $700 in court costs and up to two months of future rent. Apply online.
Verified 9/29/2026
Law Center for Better Housing
FREE legal representation for Chicago renters facing eviction, plus tenant education. Call, text "Hi" to (866) 773-6837, or chat on the website.
100 N. LaSalle St, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60602
Verified 9/29/2026
Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
Free legal help for Cook County families: domestic violence and family safety, housing, health and benefits. Call the intake line.
101 N. Wacker Dr, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
Verified 9/29/2026
Metropolitan Tenants Organization Tenants' Rights Hotline
Trained counselors answer renters' questions about repairs, deposits, evictions and landlord problems. Mon-Fri 1-5pm.
Verified 9/29/2026
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago - West Side
Housing counseling, homeownership help and help for homeowners. Also a partner for All Chicago emergency assistance.
3601 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
Verified 9/29/2026
New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
Serves 9,000+ free meals a year (Fish and Loaves), runs Sankofa School for the Arts (dance, theater, DJing for ages 4-18) and housing/job help for young men 18-30.
4301 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60624
Verified 9/29/2026
Northwest Compass Food Pantry
Food pantry weekdays 9 a.m. to noon for northwest suburban townships, plus housing and family help from Northwest Compass.
1300 W. Northwest Hwy, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Verified 9/29/2026
Olive Branch Mission
Faith-based mission with shelter and support programs for people experiencing homelessness, including a shelter for single men. Call for intake.
6310 S. Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
Verified 9/29/2026
Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Line
Call for Salvation Army help with food, rent, utilities and other emergencies across the Chicago area.
Verified 9/29/2026
Salvation Army Freedom Center / Harbor Light
Food pantry plus shelter, recovery and outreach services. Call for current pantry hours.
825 N. Christiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
Verified 9/29/2026
St. Sabina Strong Futures
St. Sabina's program connecting young people ages 17 to 28 to full-time jobs, with mentoring, life skills, job prep and housing help.
Verified 9/29/2026
The Moody Church
Historic church behind By The Hand Club for Kids (after-school tutoring and mentoring), Hope For Kids (foster care support) and a homeless ministry.
1635 N. LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Verified 9/29/2026
The Resurrection Project
Immigrant justice services plus housing help and homeownership programs for immigrant and working families.
1805 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Verified 9/29/2026
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