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COVID-19 Related Resources
National Resources
Job Seekers
For career information, please visit Job Seekers.
Mental Health
- Illinois Call4Calm Text Line (24/7): If you or a loved one are struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and need emotional support, text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish (Message and Data Rates May Apply. See Terms and Conditions of Use). People seeking assistance remain anonymous and provide only their first name and ZIP code, which enables the service to link them to a counselor in the area who is knowledgeable about available local resources.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24 hours a day. Available nationally. Trained crisis counselors will respond and help you or visit their website at crisistextline.org.
- The Crisis Line of Will & Grundy Counties refers people in need to local aid, provides 24/7 non-directive, non-judgmental telephone counseling, and offers friendly reassurance calls to elderly, disabled, and homebound people. Crisis Line is also accredited through the American Associaton of Suicidology for the intervention and prevention of suicide. Answering calls not only on their local hotline numbers, but also for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
- Illinois Warm Line: If you or one of you family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness support specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and support you. The Illinois Warm Line is not a crisis hotline but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. Illinois Warm Line hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., except holidays.
- Illinois CARES Line (24/7): If your child is a risk to themselves or others, having a mental health crisis, or if you would like a referral to services for children, youth, and families, call the 24-hour Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line to talk to a mental health professional. Call: 800-345-9049; TTY: 773-523-4504
- Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances (24/7): If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a trained professional for support and advice or to be directed to customized resources or visit www.HelplineIL.org.
- Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7; available nationally): If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Caring staff will connect you with the closest possible crisis center in your area.
- We Know the Feeling (Problem Gambling): If you or someone you know is suffering from gambling disorder, call 800-GAMBLER, text ILGAMB TO 53342, or visit weknowthefeeling.org to be connected to resources and to treatment programs.
- National Helpline | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Free and confidential treatment referral and information service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 800- 622-4357 (HELP)
- National Runaway Safeline: This 24 hour, 7 days a week national Safeline is for youth at risk of running away or already have and are looking for help. 800-Runaway (800-786-2929) or text 66008.
- Veteran's Crisis Line: Call to reach caring, qualified responders within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; many of them are veterans themselves. This free support is confidential, available 24/7, and serves all veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their families and friends. Call 800-273-8255 or text 838255, support for deaf and hard of hearing: 800-799-4889. Online chat is available at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Violence Prevention & Intervention
- Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline
877-TO END DV or 877-863-6338 (Voice), 877-863-6339 (TTY)
For the Illinois Department of Human Services Service Provider Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP), visit here IDHS: Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) (state.il.us) - National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 (TDD), 800-787-3224 (TTY)
Chat for deaf or hard of hearing individuals 855-812-1001, video for deaf callers (nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org)
Español available plus another 200+ languages - Find your local Illinois Rape Crisis Center at https://icasa.org/crisis-centers
- National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673), English chat, Español chat
- Confidential Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (Run by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago; RAINN local affiliate)
708-748-5672 in the South Suburbs
888-293-2080 in Metropolitan Chicago, DuPage and Cook counties
630-971-3927 in DuPage County - Safe2Help Illinois
Reporting of child abuse or abuse of an older adult or adult with a disability. Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where Illinois students can use a free app, text/phone, website (www.Safe2HelpIllinois.com), and other social media platforms to report school safety issues. Once vetted, the tips will be shared with local school officials, mental health professionals, and/or local law enforcement, depending on the nature of the tip. The program also will help local officials by connecting them with mental health or other appropriate resources to intervene and to help students before they harm themselves or others. - Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Reporting Hotline
800-25-ABUSE or 800-252-2873; 800-358-5117 (TTY)
https://dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov/
Hours: 24/7/365
Languages: English, Español; other languages not specified - Illinois Department of Aging
Hours: 24/7/365
Languages: English; other languages not specified
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an adult age 60 or older or a person with disabilities age 18-59, call the statewide, 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 866-800-1409, 888-206-1327 (TTY). For residents who live in nursing facilities, call the Illinois Department of Public Health's Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 800-252-4343. For residents who live in supportive living facilities (SLFs), call the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services' SLF Complaint Hotline at 800-226-0768.
Senior HelpLine Email: aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov
Food Security
- SNAP Application
- The New Lenox Food Pantry is available at the Township Offices for New Lenox residents who are in need of food supplies.
- The Crisis Line of Will & Grundy Counties refers people in need to local aid, including local food assistance programs.
- MorningStar Mission’s East Side Cafe offers three warm meals six days a week and two meals on Sundays to homeless and at-risk guests in the Joliet-area community.
- The Meals on Wheels of Will County nutrition program serves the entire County of Will. Nutrition services are provided to assist older adults to live independently by promoting better health through improved nutrition and reduced isolation through a program coordinated with other supportive services. For home-delivered meals, call 1-815-726-0094 ext. 324. This program can also act as a well-being check.
- Brave Space Alliance Crisis Pantry (in Chicago)
Housing & Internet Access
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay for utilities such as heat, gas, and electric. Call (877) 411-9276 to learn where you can apply in your county.
- Illinois Tenant Rights Laws
- The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can aid low-income families in finding affordable rental housing and help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Call the Chicago Regional Office: 312-353-6236
- Free and Low Cost Internet Assistance | HighSpeedInternet.com
Caregiving & Children's Needs
- Supporting Families During COVID provides families with telehealth evaluations and treatments for ADHD, mood disorders, autism, and anxiety disorders. Tips for managing behavior and remote learning are also offered.
- Essential workers in Illinois who are seeking emergency childcare can call the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies’ toll-free hotline at 888-228-1146 or visit COVID-19 Emergency Provider Search.
- Employed Illinois residents who meet eligibility requirements can receive financial assistance for childcare from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
- Care.com offers listings of reviewed, trusted local caregivers for all ages.
Clothing Needs
- MorningStar Mission’s Treasure Chest Thrift Stores were created to allow families to shop for clothing and household items with dignity. With two locations, families in need can find shoes, clothing, appliances, household goods, and more.
- Goodwill Store & Donation Center