Similar to donating to specialized charities, helping an individual who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless get into contact with a specialized service organization is also a highly effective method of assistance, maximizing the impact of support tailored to their specific needs
The organizations below are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of any other significance
If you are aware of any other organizations doing great work to help the homeless community of Chicago, please submit feedback so that organization can be included here as well
Great organizations that are best equipped to help those in need
Shelter / Food
A Safe Haven
All Chicago
Broadway Youth
Catholic Charities
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Cornerstone Community Outreach
Facing Forward
Pacific Garden
Sarah’s Circle
Professional Support
A Safe Haven
Broadway Youth
Catholic Charities
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Night Ministry
Good News Partners
Pacific Garden
Sarah’s Circle
StreetWise
Great organizations to contact for help
Great organizations to contact for help
A Safe Haven
A Safe Haven is a program dedicated to breaking the cycle of homeless and poverty. It provides a wide range of services, including housing, job training, addiction treatment, and supportive services, to help individuals and families overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency.
All Chicago
All Chicago fights to end homelessness by working collaboratively with partner agencies, government entities, and community stakeholders to provide a continuum of services, including prevention initiatives, housing programs, and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Broadway Youth Center
The Broadway Youth Center is a vital resource in Chicago, providing comprehensive support and services to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. They offer a safe and affirming space where young people can access housing assistance, healthcare, counseling, educational support, and community resources tailored to their unique needs.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Specifically for the homeless population, Catholic Charities provides a continuum of care tailored to the unique circumstances of individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes emergency shelter services, transitional housing programs, permanent supportive housing initiatives, and access to vital resources such as healthcare, job training, and substance abuse treatment.
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services assists the homeless by providing shelters, transitional housing, rental assistance, and supportive services such as healthcare and job training to help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Chicago Greater Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository provides meals to the homeless through a network of agencies, shelters, and pantries. Additionally, they offer job training, fresh produce markets, and nutrition education to promote stability and self-sufficiency.
Connections for the Homeless
Connections for the Homeless is a nonprofit organization based in Evanston, Illinois, dedicated to ending homelessness in the North Shore area and surrounding communities. They provide a comprehensive range of services, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, case management, and supportive services, to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Cornerstone Community Outreach
Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, meals, and supportive services to help homeless individuals rebuild their lives and transition to stable housing in Chicago.
Crisis Center for South Suburbia (CCSS)
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia specializes in providing emergency shelter, counseling, and support services tailored to individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence in the south suburban Chicago area.
Facing Forward
They offer a holistic approach to addressing the complex needs of their clients, including housing assistance, case management, life skills training, employment support, and access to healthcare and education.
Good News Partners
They focus on providing affordable housing, supportive services, and opportunities for personal and professional growth to individuals and families facing homelessness or poverty.
The Night Ministry
Through nighttime outreach programs and shelter services, they provide compassionate aid and foster community connections to those in need.
Pacific Garden Unit
Rooted in Christian principles, the mission offers not only practical assistance but also spiritual support to those in need. Alongside emergency shelter, hot meals, and clothing, the mission provides optional religious services such as Bible studies, prayer sessions, and chapel services.
Sarah's Circle is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that provides comprehensive support services to women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They offer a range of services including interim housing, case management, counseling, employment assistance, and access to healthcare. They also operate a Daytime Support Center where women can receive meals, showers, laundry facilities, and participate in various programs and workshops.
Sarah’s Circle
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Chicago assists the homeless by providing emergency shelter, meals, clothing, transitional housing, job training, and counseling services, helping individuals regain stability and independence.
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