In response to COVID-19, Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Rockford has adjusted programming and rescheduled events. View details here.
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Chicago Resources

New! Resources just added

Covid-19 Resources

Housing

Legal Aid

Public Assistance

Transportation

Education

Illinois Autism Project

Emergency

Family Health

Financial Assistance

These are just a few resources to various agencies who have a variety of programs to help families and veterans in need. However, assistance is not guaranteed. Please call during early morning hours to avoid long wait times and/or depletions of donations and funding.

  • Comed Repayment Programs and residential hardship programs available.
  • LIHEAPA: Comed Partners for energy assistancet 
  • Ceda: Assists with energy, Housing and WIC. Find the nearest location to you. Funds are limited and are on a first come first served basis.
  • Greater Chicago Food Depository – Search for food near you
  • Catholic Charities – Emergency food and financial assistance services. You can also call 312 655 7700 for help in Cook County.
  • Illinois Department of Employment security: Apply for unemployment benefits at https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/default.aspx then use their Illinois Job Link to search for employment at https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/ada/r/
  • The Salvation Army assists with rent, mortgage, food, shelter, and more. 
  • Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) can assist with food, medical insurance, job referrals, and more. Find the nearest location and see a case manager for more information or apply and submit documents online.  *It is best to go early in the morning to beat the crowd! The IDHS help line number is (800) 843-6154. Call early to avoid long hold times.
  • Credit Monitoring: Obtain a free annual credit report from all three bureaus. You can also place a “freeze” on your credit to avoid identity theft, and dispute any fraud or misreported items that may be affecting your credit. Monitoring your credit is important, especially during this time when a lot of fraud and identity theft is taking place. Having a good credit history is important when applying for a home, apartment, or even a loan. There is also assistance in place for those whose credit is affected by Covid-19. You can also call 877-322-8228 or go through Transunion for all three bureau reports. Select “credit help” then “get my free annual Credit report.” You must first register and answer verification questions to verify your identity before you can see your reports. Save a copy of each bureau report to refer to since this is only free once a year. For disputes or to unlock your account, file online with Transunion.
  • Additional credit monitoring: Equifax and Experian. You can also call 833-395-6940.
  • Get credit for paying utilities and rent on time and back date it for up to two years! Visit Experian Credit Boost option to boost your FICO score. *You will need a bank account to take advantage.

  • USA.Gov —

Food Pantries

Easterseals Head Start/Early Head Start Offices

4415 W. Harrison Street, Suite 510  |  Hillside, IL 60162
708.330.4490 Phone
708.434.2525 Phone

headstart@eastersealschicago.org
earlyheadstart@eastersealschicago.org

Easterseals is funded by two separate grants for Head Start/Early Head Start Services. We are a grantee of the Office of Head Start for services provided in suburban Cook County and a delegate of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services for services provided in Chicago.

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