E&ES Resource Guide
Are you searching for additional support and programs to help you and your family with employment, housing or food assistance, or emergency assistance offered at no-cost-to-you in the Chicagoland area?
These respected and responsible organizations and agencies offer assistance at no cost to you.
Access to Funded Support Programs & Resources
211 Metro Chicago is a free, 24/7 helpline that connects Cook County residents with a wide range of social services, including those related to food, housing, job training, and mental health. You can dial 2-1-1 to speak with a specialist or visit their website –
https://211metrochicago.org/
City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services offers resources for Chicago residents – especially those facing barriers to support, housing insecurity, or experiencing low-income challenges –
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/resilient-communities-pilot/home/resources-residents.html
Job Ready Illinois is an online workforce development program from the State of Illinois as a “work program” for the purposes of SNAP Work Requirements and access to additional training and support programs – Job Ready Illinois
Financial and Food
Assistance and Support
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) provides services for low-income individuals and families including: Rental and utility assistance, Food and shelter assistance, Employment training and placement, and Financial management counseling – https://www.cedaorg.net/
Greater Chicago Food Depository offers food assistance and referrals for job training programs through its network of partners – https://chicagosfoodbank.org
Community Kitchen provides links and maps with a directory of free food and resources in the City of Chicago – https://www.communitykitchenchicago.org/mutual-aid-map
State of Illinois Department of Human Services SNAP Eligibility Calculator – https://fscalc.dhs.illinois.gov/FSCalc/
Workforce Support Beyond E&ES Programs
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership offers access to 70 agencies offering workforce support across Cook County and the City of Chicago – https://chicookworks.org/career-seeker-services/
ScaleLit serves as the One-Stop-Operator for workforce programs in Cook County and the City of Chicago, offering support to help job seekers succeed. They also provide digital literacy and supportive resources and training so under-resourced adult learners can become economically successful – https://www.scalelit.org/jobseeker
Housing Resources
and Shelters
Illinois Housing Help provides access to rent, utility, and legal services to help Illinois residents – https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/
Center of Concern offers housing counseling, homelessness prevention services, and assistance with rent and utilities, primarily in North Suburban Cook County – https://centerofconcern.org/
CEDA offers access to housing services, utility bill assistance, family & community support and more – https://www.cedaorg.net/
