Below is a list of campus and community resources to support students who are experiencing homelessness or do not have stable housing. With questions or concerns, you are encouraged to contact:
Designated Liaison: Cindy Agustin, cagustin@uchicago.edu
UChicago HELP is a collaborative program within Campus and Student Life made up of a robust set of systems and practices, including some resources that are available 24/7, that support and care for our students. UChicago HELP assists students in navigating academic and personal difficulties, while also ensuring that University community members (such as faculty, staff, and students) can connect students needing help with assistance in a timely manner.
- Dean on Call: The Dean-on-Call can be reached by calling UCPD at 773.702.8181. Ask UCPD to page the Dean-on-Call for you. You do not have to provide any identifying information except for a 10-digit call-back number. If you prefer, you can utilize the UChicago Safe App to directly text the Dean-on-Call. Once you are in the UChicago Safe App, press the UChicago HELP button.
Emergency Assistance Programs:
Emergency Assistance Programs include Living Expense Advances, Emergency Loans and Emergency Assistance Grants. Funds from Emergency Assistance Programs are generally available in the amount of $500-$2,000, depending on the program awarded, circumstances and funds available. All programs may be applied for at my.UChicago > Finances > Account > Emergency Assistance.
Students are eligible for up to three resources per quarter, including summer term. This is intended to be short-term support for students experiencing food insecurity. If you or a student you know could benefit from longer-term support, please contact the Center for College Student (ccss@uchicago.edu) or Student Support Services (studentsupport@uchicago.edu) to explore additional options.
City of Chicago Community Service Centers
Community Service Centers help individuals and families in need access a wide range of resources from shelter, food and clothing to domestic violence assistance, job training/placement and services for the formerly incarcerated. Clients can also get information about rental, utility and other financial assistance programs. The centers also serve as warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather. Centers’ hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Illinois Department of Human Services – Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance
The Illinois Department of Human Services partners with community-based agencies to provide emergency rental and utility assistance to eligible Illinois households impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) Screener
If you are interested in exploring your eligibility for SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Healthcare Coverage, the IL Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers this tool to walk you through the screening process. If you are ready to begin an application, you can apply online here.
If you would prefer to meet directly with a Family Community Resource Center, a “one stop” center for cash and medical assistance, food stamps, and job services, you can use this tool to find Family Community Resource Centers close to your neighborhood
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
We organize and advocate to prevent and end homelessness, because we believe housing is a human right in a just society.
- Chicago Coalition for the Homeless also provides free legal services for individuals experiencing homelessness. You can learn more at https://www.chicagohomeless.org/programs-campaigns/legal-aid/law-project/
Legal Aid Chicago seeks justice for people living in poverty. Through litigation and advocacy, our team of full-time lawyers and staff fight to secure individual rights to affordable housing, basic healthcare, fair working conditions, protection from abuse, and economic stability.
- This resource lists homeless shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city. We strive to empower, embolden, and educate each other through mutual aid, knowledge-sharing, and the creation of community-sourced resources as we build toward the liberation of all oppressed peoples.
- The Broadway Youth Center (BYC) in Uptown is a welcoming space for LGBTQ youth and young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Anyone ages 12 to 24 can find community, as well as medical, social, and mental wellness services, regardless of ability to pay.
- The Chicago Housing Authority provides homes to more than 63,000 households while supporting healthy communities in neighborhoods throughout the city. Designated a Moving to Work agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, CHA has used that flexibility to create innovative partnerships that expand choices and opportunities for the low income families and individuals it serves.
El Rescate Transitional Living Program
- El Rescate Transitional Living Program provides culturally appropriate, identity-affirming housing for homeless LGBTQ and/or HIV-positive youth ages 18-24 through a continuum of solutions. As part of this program, youth have access to the HIV prevention services offered by Vida/SIDA as well as employment/educational resources and Living Skills Training.
Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW)
- Since 1983, HOW has been a leader in permanent solutions to homelessness. Through prevention strategies; expanded, affordable, supportive housing; and individualized support services we have helped thousands take back their lives. HOW operates under the Housing First Model, which ensures individuals experiencing homelessness are housed as quickly as possible, and then provided with tools for success and self-sufficiency.
- Ignite offers a comprehensive continuum of services to young people between the ages of 14 to 26 who are unstably housed or experiencing homelessness. Beyond meeting youth's immediate needs, our services provide youth with all the tools and support they need to succeed: stable housing; access to employment and education opportunities; primary and mental health care; lasting connections with caring adults, and the skills to live a healthy and independent life.
- Covenant House is here for youth in crisis and those facing homelessness, ages 18 – 24. We welcome everyone regardless of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.
- The mission of La Casa Norte is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.
- Emergency Housing Programs: La Casa Norte recognizes the importance of meeting the immediate needs of youth and families. Whether it’s a place to sleep that night or a meal that hour, we strive to provide everything a client may need when they connect with us.
- LYTE Collective serves young adults impacted by poverty and homelessness. Our mission is to: SUPPORT every young adult who contacts us, with whatever they need, for as long as they want us by their side; END harmful systems that cause young people to need our help in the first place; and BUILD a more just and equitable world together with all who aspire to do better by young people.
- The Night Ministry compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care, and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty, and loneliness.