Family and Caregiving Support Resources
The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) provides meals and access to social services to Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and economic insecurity. CHI offers Wednesday dinners, adult learning, one-on-one tutoring, a job club, arts and culture outings, and the New Foundations program to help guests apply for and connect with key services, benefits and supports that improve the quality of their lives.
CHI also offers this Resource Guide to provide crucial information on food, shelter and help for those in immediate need.
Contact CHI using the online form.
The Chicago Help Initiative office is located at 440 N Wells St., Ste. 440, Chicago, IL 60654.
For more details, call (312) 448-0045.
Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.
Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.
To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.
Chicago Survivors (CS) provides crime victim services and support to family members of Chicago homicide victims. Services are free, voluntary and open to all. Services include a crisis helpline and response services, protecting victims’ rights and compensation assistance, funeral planning, counseling, wellness kits, support groups and more. Help is available in Spanish and English. Real-time translation services for other languages is also available.
The Chicago Survivors Crisis Helpline is open 24/7 at (877) 863-6338.
Chicago Survivors resources and services also include:
- Counseling for youth and adults
- Comprehensive referral services (e.g., grief counseling, legal aid, housing, utilities)
- Protecting victims’ rights and compensation assistance
- Court advocacy and unsolved case assistance
- Community of Survivors adult and youth workshops, events and groups
Chicagoland Funding Sources for Stairlifts, Ramps and Other Home Accessibility Solutions
Lifeway Mobility offers a comprehensive list of various accessibility funding sources in Chicagoland, northwest Indiana and southeast Wisconsin. The guide provides information on organizations and other resources that may be able to help you pay for a stair lift, ramp or other accessibility solution.
You must contact the individual organizations directly for specific details. Please use the information provided to contact the organization/option listed.
Child Care Resource & Referral in Southern Illinois
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) provides information, referrals and financial assistance to families. They also provide resources and support for child care and early education programs. CCR&R serves the counties of Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.
Child Care Resource and Referral in Southern Illinois
The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) at John A. Logan College provides families with information, referrals, and financial assistance for child care. It also provides resources and support for child care and early education programs. CCR&R serves residents in Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson counties.
For questions, please call (800) 548-5563 or email ccrr@jalc.edu.
The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a patient advocacy organization offering tools, education resources, and a network of more than 48 organizations to help children and their families living with neurologic conditions find social services and emotional support.
CNF’s Family Support Program helps families navigate the journey of being a caregiver of a child with a neurologic condition. Families can connect with trained staff who will listen and help with:
- Learning about a child neurology disorder and clinical trials
- Connecting to disease-specific organizations
- Talking to another parent
- Navigating insurance and more
Visit the CNF Family Support Program page to learn more. You can request help online or by calling (859) 551-4977.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
The Child Welfare Information Gateway aims to provide free and trusted resources to service providers, family members and parents working to bring children home from foster care. It aims to equip individuals with the resources needed to support positive outcomes for all children, youth, and families. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to the following:
- Publications
- Research
- Laws and policies
- Databases covering a wide range of topics, including prevention, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion.
Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance
The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance is focused on educating communities, improving access to in-home support and supplies, helping with out-of-pocket medical expenses, and providing a network of support from both caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance website includes:
- Frequently asked questions and terms about tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
- Annual caregiver grants
- A list of resources by state
Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA) helps families honor their deceased children with a decent and proper burial. Families without life insurance or money saved to bury their deceased child, ages 1 through 17, may be eligible. CBA resources include:
- The “What To Do – The First 48 Hours of Your Child’s Death” guide
- A database of service providers
- Burial plots, urns and other in-kind gifts to offset the cost of a burial
Parents, legal guardians or family members may apply online for assistance. Please note: CBA does not provide financial assistance for funeral service fees or grave markers. Visit the CBA website for more details.