Community Desk
The Berkeley Public Library Social Services Program or 'Community Desk' is here to provide information, services, and referrals to assist community residents in need of public assistance. The Library strives to connect residents to information that meets their personal, educational, and professional needs. The Community Desk program serves as an extension of this mission, seeking to put community members in touch with services outside the scope of the library and build upon the open and supportive environment fostered at the Berkeley Public Library.
Clothing
Children's Community Closet of La Grange Park
500 E 31st St.
La Grange Park, IL
Children's Community Closet is a local organization providing free children's, teen, & maternity clothing, shoes & accessories to all.
Check online for updated hours.
Poised for Success
55 W. 22nd Street
Suite 112
Lombard, IL
Provides women interview and business appropriate attire for free. Service referral needed. Contact agency for more information.
Crisis Lines
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24/7 free, confidential support for emotional distress. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Support is available for concerns like anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, and more.
Call or text: 988
Chat: 988lifeline.org
211 Metro Chicago
Connects Cook County residents to local resources including food, housing, and financial help.
Call: 211
Text: ZIP code to 898-211
Crisis Text Line
24/7 text-based support with a trained crisis counselor.
Text: HOME to 741741
Nami Living Room
Walk-in support for adults (18+) experiencing stress or emotional distress.
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No Cost
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No Insurance or Appointment Needed
Locations:
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La Grange (24/7) – 4731 Willow Springs Rd. – 708-524-2582 ext.200
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Summit (24/7) – 7602 63rd St. – 708-524-2582 ext.300
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Oak Park (12 PM–8 PM) – 816 Harrison St.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Illinois Help Line
24/7 free and confidential service that will connect you or a loved one to substance use and problem gambling treatment and recovery services in Illinois.
Call 833-234-6343
Text "Help" to 833234
Citizenship
Taller de Jose
5533 S. Sawyer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60629
1845 S. 9th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153 -By appointment only
773-523-8320
Offers immigration support including document preparation assistance, U Visa statement support, translation, appointment accompaniment, and referrals to legal services.
Catholic Charities
721 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654
312-655-7700
Offers a variety of immigration services including support with citizenship, work authorization and representation before USCIS among other supports.
World Relief -
Citizenship Tutoring
3507 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60625
(773) 583-9191
Contact the office for information on scheduling a consultation.
World Relief -
Immigration Legal Services
3507 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60625
(773) 583-9191
Services Include
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General Consultations
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Green Card Renewal or Replacement
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Asylum Legal Clinic
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Family Reunification
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Citizenship Services
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VAWA/U-Visas
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Removal of Conditions on Residency
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Refugee/Asylee Green Cards
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DACA Renewal
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Records Checks (FBI rap sheets, FOIAS, etc.)
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Citizenship Tutoring
Contact the office for information on scheduling a consultation.
Domestic Violence
Sarah's Inn
24-hour Crisis Line: (708) 386-4225
Text Line: (708) 699-6149
Domestic violence support & services. In order to initiate services, clients will need to call the 24-hour crisis line
Mujeres Latinas en Acción
7222 W. Cermak Road. 509 North Riverside, IL 60546- West Suburban Office
(708) 442-1299
Offers services to support and empower survivors.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Education & Employment
Triton College
GED
Students who are 16 or 17 years old must submit a letter of withdrawal from high school to participate.
West Suburban Cook County American Jobs Center
1701 South 1st Avenue, Suite 10, Maywood, IL 60153
708-223-2652
Offers a variety of free services for job seekers of all ages, from 16 to 60 and older. We can help with your resume, interview skills, and cover the cost of training.
CFL Workforce and Community Initiative
9930 Derby Lane, Suite 201, Westchester, IL 60154
By Appointment Only
(708) 344-3539
Services include helping job seekers with career training, career coaching and job search assistance.
The Trade Skills
Program
The Trade Skills Program aims to empower CSBG-eligible adults in suburban Cook County by providing them with the necessary tools, training, and resources to secure stable employment or pursue self-employment. The program directly addresses the need for affordable and relevant skills training; helping customers gain the credentials and experience required to compete in today’s job market.
NAMI Workforce Development
Utilizing group and one on one support and education, an Employment Specialist will work with you to come up with a career plan focused on your personal goals and preferences. The focus is on finding a balance between employment and your own recovery goals.
State of Illinois -
Unemployment
Illinois Department of Employment Security - Information about unemployment insurance and job searches.
Click Here for More Information.
Illinois Job Link - Explore the jobs in your area.
English Literacy
Berkeley District 87
Adult ESL
Triton College
ESL
For adults who want to learn to speak, read, and write English at all levels.
Food Pantries
Westchester Food
Pantry
1938 South Mannheim Road, Westchester, IL 60154
708-927-4826
Hours: Wednesday 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm & Saturday 9:00 am–11:00 am
Groceries available once per calendar month. Proof of residency may be required for additional items.
Grace Central Food
Pantry
10216 Kitchener Street, Westchester, IL 60154
708-344-5020
Hours: Tues. 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm & Wed. 12:00 pm - 2:00pm
Groceries available up to twice per month. No ID required.
Proviso Food Pantry
1112 N. 9th Ave. Melrose Park, IL, 60160
708-771-3668
Hours: Sat. 8:00am-10:00am
Serves all of Proviso Township. Bring proof of address.
Jesus Outreach
Ministries
500 North Mannheim Road Suite 1S, Hillside, IL, 60162
312-719-4442
Hours: Wednesday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Life Giving Community Center
500 Frontage Road, Hillside, IL 60162
Hours: Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm & Thursday 3 pm - 6 pm
Groceries available once per month.
The Parish of Our Lady
of Mount Carmel
119 N. 23rd Ave. Melrose Park, IL 60160
Hours: Wed. 3:30 pm - 5:30pm
To sign up for assistance you will need to provide name, address, birthday, and number of people in your household.
Elmhurst - Yorkfield
Food Pantry
1083 S. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: 630-782-1066
Hours: Monday 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, Thursday 1:00 pm-4:00 pm & 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Register to become a client online. Current utility bill for address verification for the 1st visit. Photo ID required.
Berkeley Library -
Little Free Food Pantry
1637 N Taft Ave, Berkeley, IL, 60163
(708) 544-6017
Small community pantry of non-perishable food items located on the north side of the library near the parking lot.
Free Meals
Catholic Charities
Community Meals
St. Frances of Rome School
1401 S. Austin Blvd., Cicero , IL 60804
Wednesdays 6:00pm – 7:00 pm
Summit Community Center
7437 W. Archer Ave., Summit , IL 60501
Wednesdays 5 pm
(708) 325-8990
Quinn Center of St.
Eulalia - Community
Dinners
1845 South 9th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153
708-397-6111
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Indoor Community Dinners take place the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 5:30-6:30 pm.
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Drive-thru Meal distributions take place the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 4:30-6 pm
Lady of Mounty Carmel
Senior Citizen Meals
Program
(708) 846-7110
Meals are served Monday – Friday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm in Carmel Hall. In addition to enjoying a delicious lunch, participants engage in social activities from 10:30am to 1:00pm and are treated to a variety of informational presentations. In order to participate, individuals must be at least 60 years of age.
Meals on Wheels -
Senior Meal Program
(708) 447-2448
Home-delivered meals for adults age 60+ who are frail, homebound, or unable to prepare meals due to illness, disability, or isolation. To apply to schedule an assessment through Solutions for Care.
Community Cafes
(Seniors)
(708) 316-7488
Adults aged 60+ are invited to enjoy nutritious lunches in a friendly, inclusive environment. To receive meals, you must register by filling out an application. Various Meal Sites located across Proviso Township.
Food Voucher Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP)
SNAP helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. Benefits are administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and provided through the Illinois Link Card, which works like a debit card.
How to Apply?
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Apply In Person at IDHS Family Community Resource Center – West Suburban
2701 W. Lake Street
Melrose Park, IL 60160
Phone: (708) 338-7600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Need Help Determining Eligibility?
Want to Learn More About SNAP?
Women, Infants, &
Children (WIC)
The WIC program provides food assistance, information about nutrition, and help with breast feeding.
Eligibility
You may qualify for WIC if you:
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Are pregnant or recently had a baby.
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Had a miscarriage or stillbirth within the last 6 months.
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Have an infant or child under age 5 (including foster children).
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Meet WIC income guidelines.
*If you or your child receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirements for WIC.
**Important: Families may receive both WIC and SNAP benefits. To qualify for WIC, you must be pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under age 5.
Apply In Person (Various Office Locations- Find Location Near You)
Maywood WIC Office
411 W. Madison Street
Maywood, IL 60153
Phone: (312) 597-2916
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Walk-ins welcome. Call to request Saturday and evening hours.
Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families
(TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.
Eligibility
To qualify for TANF, a person must:
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Be pregnant or have a child under age 19 who lives with them. A child who is 18 must be a full-time high school student. A pregnant woman (and her husband, if he lives with her) may qualify for help, even if they don't have any other children.
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Live in Illinois. You can be homeless and still qualify.
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Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration requirements.
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Develop a plan for becoming self-sufficiency
Finance
Christians Against
Poverty
CAP provides individuals with free budgeting tools and credit counseling to help you make informed decisions and move towards financial freedom.
*CAP does not provide loans, grants or financial assistance
Healthcare
The Lighthouse Chicago
Chicago, IL & Glenview, IL Locations
1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 997-3686
222 Waukegan Rd. Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 510-6200
Low Vision Services including Vision Care, Independent Living Training, Employment Training, Assistive Technology Aid, and Educational Support.
Blind Service Chicago
17 N. State Street Suite 1050, Chicago, Illinois 60602-3510
312-236-0808
Low Vision Services including Reading and Recording Aid, Youth Services, and Networking/Social Activities.
Housing
Entry Point
Call the Entry Point Call Center for a referral to a shelter diversion provider OR contact an In-Person Access Point. Entry Point is a way for people experiencing homelessness, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, in Suburban Cook County to access services and support.
Suburban Cook County Call Center
(877) 426-6515
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
After hours, call Housing Forward
(708) 338-1724 x6
Monday - Friday | 4:30pm - 8:30am
Saturday & Sunday | 24 hours
Housing Forward
1851 S. 9th Ave,
Maywood, IL
708-338-1724
Hours: M, Tu, Th, Fr 9:00am - 3:00pm W 9:00-12:00pm
Services: Access to Showers, Clothing, Food, and other Housing Referral Assistance
Bed Plus
(Walk-in Center)
7666 W. 63rd Street,
Summit, IL 60501
(708) 354-0858
Hours: Monday - Saturday 12pm to 4pm
Services: Access food and basic supplies, financial assistance, shelter program screenings, and other resources
LIHEAP Utility Assistance
LIHEAP helps eligible households with low income pay for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating gas, propane, and electricity.
Housing Legal Aid
Eviction Help Illinois
https://evictionhelpillinois.org/
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt
Public Housing Authorities
Home Safety
Lead Safety Inspection- Cook County Public Health
https://cookcountypublichealth.org/environmental-health/lead-safe-cook-county/
Hygiene
Shower Connect
Cook County Department of Public Health (parking lot)
7556 Jackson Blvd. Forest Park, IL 60130
Thursday's 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Free shower services. Soap, shampoo, and shower kits provided, which include a towel, washcloth, pair of flip flops, and assortment of additional hygiene products.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Chicago
Legal Aid Chicago provides free civil legal representation to residents of Chicago and Suburban Cook County in a variety of subject areas (Immigration, Employment, Children and Family, Housing, Public Benefits, etc).
Eligibility:
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Individuals with limited assets and income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level are financially eligible for services
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AND/OR Adults who are 60+
Appointments are primarily virtual based.
Get Help by Applying Online Here or Calling 312-341-1070.
Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL)
CDEL provides full representation to clients in a variety of civil and guardianship matters with the court.
Types of cases include Adult Guardianship, Collections and Consumer Debt, Divorce, Power of Attorney for Health Care and Property and Living Will Declarations, Simple Will and Transfer on Death Instrument, Landlord/Tenant, & Homeownership and Real Estate Tax.
Eligibility
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Applicants must live in Chicago or Suburban Cook County, Illinois
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Must be at least 60 years of age or live with a permanent disability
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Must meet income eligibilities
To find out if CDEL can help you, call 312.376.1880 between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) is a county-wide initiative providing free legal assistance to residents facing eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt, and tax deed issues.
All services are available to Cook County residents regardless of income, language, or immigration status.
Taller de Jose
Main Office: 5533 S. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, IL 60629
Maywood Office (By Appointment Only): 1845 S. 9th Ave., Maywood, IL 60153
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
773-523-8320
Provides support navigating legal issues by offering information, connecting clients with legal resources, and accompanying them through important legal processes when needed. Additional services include document translation and immigration support.
Open to adults ages 18 and older from all communities.
Most services are free.
English and Spanish.
Illinois Court Help
Court guides provide general guidance on completing forms and navigating court procedures. Court guides can also help connect individuals to local legal aid and community resources.
833-411-1121 - call or text
Monday-Friday 8:30am – 3:00pm
English and Spanish
Mental Health
NAMI Metro Surburban
Pillars Community Health
708-745-5277
Services are available in English and Spanish. All patients are welcome regardless of health insurance status or any other factor such as age, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.
NAMI Drop-in Center
814 Harrison St., Oak Park, IL 60304
Monday-Friday: 1pm–7pm
Saturday and Sunday: 2pm-6pm
The Drop-In Center is for adults 18 years and over that live with a mental health condition. It provides a safe, stigma-free place for participants to socialize and find new recovery skills and tools.
NAMI Living Room -
Oak Park
816 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
12pm-8pm Daily
The Living Room is a safe place where you can talk with a peer if you are experiencing life’s emotional stresses. The trained peer recovery support specialists use their personal experience to help you find and maintain your recovery. Services are free of charge.
Healthcare Alternative Systems
1115 N. 23rd Ave, Melrose Park, IL, 60160
(312) 850-0050
For individuals seeking recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders.
Call to schedule an appointment, or for information regarding referrals, assessments, or hours of operation.
Most services at HAS are offered in both English and Spanish.
Pregnancy & Parenting
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible families to pay for child care for children up to age 13 while they are working or attending school. Eligibility depends on the age of children, family income, and your schedule.
Apply Online- Digital CCAP Application
Children's Community Closet of La Grange Park
Children's Community Closet is a local organization providing free children's, teen, & maternity clothing, shoes & accessories to all.
Check online for updated hours.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The WIC program provides food assistance, information about nutrition, and help with breast feeding.
Eligibility
You may qualify for WIC if you:
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Are pregnant or recently had a baby.
-
Had a miscarriage or stillbirth within the last 6 months.
-
Have an infant or child under age 5 (including foster children).
-
Meet WIC income guidelines.
*If you or your child receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirements for WIC.
**Important: Families may receive both WIC and SNAP benefits. To qualify for WIC, you must be pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under age 5.
Apply In Person (Various Office Locations- Find Location Near You)
Maywood WIC Office
411 W. Madison Street
Maywood, IL 60153
Phone: (312) 597-2916
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Walk-ins welcome. Call to request Saturday and evening hours.
Healthy Beginnings - Cook County Public Health
Healthy Beginnings is a maternal and child health program that supports pregnant people, new parents, and babies up to 12 months old living in suburban Cook County. Offers support through home visits, education, support, and connections to community resources. Caring public health nurses provide one‑on‑one help before, during, and after pregnancy so every family can have a strong, healthy start.
Eligibility:
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Families living in suburban Cook County
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Anyone who is pregnant
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Anyone who recently gave birth
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Babies up to 12 months old
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Anyone who wants home visits, guidance or help finding health and social services
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Anyone with a high-risk pregnancy who needs extra support
Enroll Online Here
Email: HealthyBeginnings@cookcountyhhs.org
Youth
Safe Haven Youth Overnight Shelter
Youth Enrichment
Access Program
Summer Youth Employment Program
https://www.cedaorg.net/en/find-services/family-and-community-engagement
Veterans
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
(877) 424-3838 - Available 24/7
If you’re a Veteran and don't have stable housing or think you might lose your housing soon, VA can help.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook Count
The VAC provides emergency and interim financial assistance for essential needs such as food, shelter, and utilities to veterans in Cook County. We operate independently of veterans administration and are funded by Cook County.
If there is a vet in the family, relief and assistance information can be accessed by calling 312-433-6015.
Military Mental Health Crisis Line
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Tough Topics
Staff is here to help you find resources on a variety of topics. If you prefer some privacy, you can browse the library’s shelves using the attached topics/call numbers list or search the online catalog.