Resources for Families

ABE: State of Illinois site to apply for and manage healthcare, food and cash assistance benefits

ABE: Application for Benefits Eligibility

Child Care Resource and Referral

Illinois Action for Children

312.823.1100

or Child Care Referral Request Form

Food Assistance

Respond Now

(food pantry)

(708) 755-4357

1439 Emerald Avenue, Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411, United States

https://respondnow.org/

food pantry, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, foreclosure prevention, SNAP Outreach, Medicaid Expansion assistance, prescription medication vouchers, temporary lodging, transportation, clothing, Community Garden, books for children, Holiday Giveaway and Back-To-School backpacks and supplies.

Housing Assistance

Suburban Cook Homelessness Prevention Hotline

(877) 426-6515

Internet Access

Comcast	https://www.internetessentials.com/
AT&T	https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/	Access program for limited income families

Mental Health

South Suburban Council on Alcoholism and Substance abuse	https://sscouncil.org/ 708.647. 3333
Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)	800-25-ABUSE (22873) https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/safekids/reporting/Pages/index.aspx
SASS	Cares Crisis Line 1-800-345-9049 (Voice),	Screening, Assessment, and Support Services (SASS) for Children and Adolescents Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS), is a crisis mental health service program for children and adolescents, who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency. SASS agencies provide intensive mental health services for eligible children and youth who may need hospitalization, or community based mental health care. SASS services are available by calling the CARES line. What Is CARES and When Should CARES Be Called? CARES stands for Crisis and Referral Entry Services. CARES is a telephone response service that handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois. A parent/guardian may check to see if their child can receive SASS services, by calling the CARES *Crisis Line:* 1-800-345-9049 (Voice), You should call CARES when a child is at risk to himself or others and any time you or others think a child is having a mental health crisis. If a child has mental health problems, but is NOT a risk to self or others and is not experiencing a crisis, contact your local community mental health services provider on the IDHS website or call our Child and Adolescent Client Assistance Line at: 312-793-1361, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (excluding Holidays).
South Suburban Family Shelter	708-335-3028 24-Hour Hotline794- Homewood Office number 708-794-2140	South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) provides caring and confidential help to victims of domestic violence. Our professional counselors and advocates understand the dynamics of domestic violence and help clients identify and choose options in their life situations. All services are free of charge for victims and are available in English and Spanish.
Domestic Abuse Hotline	1800-799-SAFE (7233)
Suicide Hotline	1800 273 8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/	The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Crisis Hotline (text)	Text HOME to 71741 https://www.crisistextline.org/	Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.