General Resources

*Updated: June 23, 2023

This page contains information and links for Cook County programs and services that may be helpful for residents significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the Northwest Suburbs of Cook County’s 15th District. Also listed below are local, county, and state resources that may be helpful to you. In addition to government resources, I’ve included the following information.

• Food support for residents in need
• Unemployment benefits
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Small Business Support
• Resident Services
• Housing Support
• Healthcare Support
• Utility/Cable/Telecom Companies Response to COVID-19
• Mental Health Resources
• Childcare Resources
• Education Resources
• Entertainment Resources

Some of these programs and services are available to everyone regardless of where you live. Although other qualifications may apply. This page will continue getting updated as more resources change.

Stay updated with Cook County text alerts

Cook County’s main page for resources and government information, www.cookcountyil.gov. Residents can also sign up for text alerts to receive the latest updates.

Text Alerts (effective since March 19, 2020):

Additional COVID-19 Resource Pages

The State of Illinois has created a website focused on providing critical COVID-19 information, resources, and news. Please visit at Coronavirus.illinois.gov.

All state-run COVID-19 testing sites offer anyone a free test, regardless of symptoms. No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is required. There are hundreds of locations across Illinois where you can get tested and you can find the closest location here.

Every healthcare provider in the state can sign up for SIREN, the DPH emergency notification
tool. To sign up for SIREN, send an email to DPH.SIREN@illinois.gov.

In a Domestic Violence situation? Get help by calling the new State of Illinois Hotline at (877) 863-6338

The 15th District of Cook County is full of incredible municipalities and townships taking steps to protect their communities and residents. To see their updates and status of services visit their web sites below.

Townships

Barrington
Elk Grove
Hanover
Maine
Schaumburg
Palatine

Municipalities

Arlington Heights
Barrington
Barrington Hills
Bartlett
Des Plaines
Elgin
Elk Grove Village
Hanover Park
Hoffman Estates
Mount Prospect
Rolling Meadows
Roselle
Schaumburg
Streamwood
South Barrington

For the LGBTQ community

In the Northwest suburbs of Cook County, please visit Kenneth Young Center’s LGBTQ+ Center for services and programming.

For those living with HIV and AIDS or who are using PrEP and experiencing financial crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please check out the HIV Resource Hub managed by The AIDS Foundation of Chicago in partnership with the Center on Halsted. Case managers and clients must contact the Chicago-area HIV Resource Coordination Hub at 1-844-482-4040 to access these funds.

Food Support

Schaumburg Township Area: Effective May 1, 2021, The Township of Schaumburg Food Pantry at One Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 is open with an updated schedule below.

The pantry will be open:

Mondays and Wednesdays 9am – 2pm
Tuesdays and Fridays 10am – 3pm
Thursdays 11am – 4pm
Appointments are easy to make by calling (847) 884-0030 ex. 1013.

The Schaumburg Barn, Senior Nutrition Program Update.

The Village of Schaumburg partners with the Community Nutrition Network for this M-F program which serves a daily hot lunch to seniors and friends with disabilities.

Options:

Daily “to go” hot meals available for pick up
Mondays – 5 pack frozen meals available for pick up
All the above food options require registration by calling the Barn at (847) 524-7496.

Barrington Township Area: Call or email the Township Food Pantry for pick-up, details here.
Elk Grove Township Area: Call their General Assistance to inquire and apply for food assistance, here. To qualify, individuals must meet with a caseworker to verify residency and determine if there are other ways the Township may be able to provide assistance. For more information and any questions about the Food Pantry, please call 224-265-6111.
Palatine Township Area: their Food Pantry is also open and operational, learn how to apply here.

Find a Food Pantry nearest you at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/
OR by calling (773) 247-3663

Benefits Hotline: The Food Depository’s Benefits Outreach team provides application and case
management assistance for SNAP and Medicaid and can help direct families to other public benefits
programs. Constituents can call our Benefits Hotline at 773-843-5416 Monday through Friday from 8:30
am to 5:00 pm or visit us at www.chicagosfoodbank.org/benefits-outreach.

Employment Support

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and Unemployment Benefits – Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. If you have a question about unemployment insurance or are unable to file, please call Claimant Services at (800) 244-5631.

• • The Pandemic Unemployment Application is available now. Find out more information and eligibility criteria at their website here.
  • FOR ON-LINE APPLICATIONS, click here. If your last name begins with letters:
    • A through M file your claim on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays.
    • N through Z file your claim online on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
    • Saturdays – for those who missed their application window.
  • FOR PHONE APPLICATIONS, call (800) 244-5631. If your last name begins with letters:
    • A through M call between 7:30am – 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
    • N through Z call between 7:30am – 6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
    • Fridays (7am-6pm) & Saturdays (8am-noon) – for those who missed their call window.

The Illinois Restaurant Association has opened their Restaurant Employee Relief Fund again. This fund provides grants to support restaurant employees who are facing an unforseen hardship due to COVID-19. Grants will help cover basic living expenses such as rent, groceries, and utilities. Apply here.

As part of Governor Pritzker’s Get Hired Program, Illinois Work Net is hosting Virtual Job Fairs for job seekers. Visit their website for up-to-date job postings and other virtual job fairs.

A new state law- the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act– is requiring the workforce on all public works projects to be comprised of a minimum of 90% Illinois residents.

Find out more information about the new law here.

US Bartender Guild’s National Charity Foundation Emergency Grants – The Foundation provides grants to qualified applicants in the service industry who are in need of financial assistance.

Business Owner and Customer Resources

U.S.  Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants & Loan Programs:

State of Illinois Treasurer, Michael Frerichs, has launched a Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program. The purpose of this funding is to provide vital economic support to small businesses and non-profits throughout Illinois to help overcome the loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Cook County Community Recovery Initiative: to assist small businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors struggling to make ends meet due to COVID-19.

Small Business Assistance programs offer:

• • The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the new $250M Back 2 Business grant program. Cook County was chosen to serve as one of 13 “Hubs” for the Illinois Small Business Navigator program.  This program offers funding opportunities for small businesses, hard-hit industries, and disproportionately impacted businesses in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are here to help you apply and secure the funds.
    • As a “Hub,” Cook County engages and coordinates ten partner organizations, also known as “Spokes,”
    • “Spokes” provide direct 1:1 assistance to help businesses apply for B2B grants
    • Call the Cook County Back2Business Hotline: 872.304.2785 with questions about this program
    • Two ways to apply:
      • Please visit our website to schedule your appointment at cookcountysmallbiz.org
  • Business Advising Program helps you address the unique needs of your business, including acquiring new capital and customers, understanding financial, change and risk management, adjusting business models, and operating under new safety regulations.

Des Plaines Business Assistance Grants: the City is offering a revised version of the Business Assistance Grant Program. The Business Assistance Program intends (i) to support retention or enable expansion of existing businesses; (ii) to enhance the City’s stock of properties that contain commercial businesses; and (iii) to entice new businesses to form or locate in Des Plaines. To fulfill these goals, there are two types of grants:

• • “BOOST,” which each have a $10,000 maximum award and can be approved by the CED Department; and
  • “GROWTH,” which each exceed $10,000 and have no maximum. These must be approved by the City Council upon review and evaluation by CED. A business or commercial property owner/investor applying for a GROWTH grant should review the Council’s priorities in its five-year strategic plan: entertainment, shopping, and dining destinations. However, the Council will revisit priorities for its grant annually through the Fiscal Year budgeting process.

The Business Assistance program is a reimbursement grant where the City pays back 50% of the total cost of the project after completion. For more information, download their guidelines and application, or contact Emily Shaw at 847-391-6961.

Mount Prospect Entrepreneurs Initiative: find the latest tools, events, workshops, and more. Contact Nellie Beckner, Assistant Village Manager at (847) 818-5305. Current and prospective small businesses in Mount Prospect can visit their website to learn more.

Rolling Meadows: Restaurant and Retail Incentive Programs: city leaders have established a series of incentives to help attract new restaurants and retail shops to Rolling Meadows, with particular emphasis on welcoming businesses to its downtown/Kirchoff Road corridor. The incentives, designed specifically for noncorporate, independent business operations, include a blend of fee reimbursements, partial refunds of sales or food and beverage tax payments, and grant funding for façade or interior work. For more information, visit: Restaurant & Retail Incentives | Rolling Meadows, IL – Official Website (cityrm.org).

Schaumburg Small Business Recovery Grant

As of 8/22/22, the Village of Schaumburg CDBG-CV Small Business Recovery Grant had $55,000 remaining in the program. To qualify for CDBG-CV funds, businesses must commit to retaining an agreed upon number of payroll hours for 1 year where at least 51 percent of those payroll hours, as computed on a Full-Time Equivalent basis, are held by low-to-moderate income individuals as defined by HUD. The application and required documents can be found here.

The approved uses of grant funds are as follows:

Rent or mortgage up to three months not to exceed 50% of total grant award.
Technology that improves customer experience, safety, pickup, and delivery platforms or website upgrades to allow for online ordering.
Marketing Campaign-must have/will have a written marketing campaign plan or using funds to hire marketing firm.
Workplace protective equipment used to respond to COVID-19 (masks, gloves, sanitizers, sneeze guards, partitions, etc.)

If you have any questions, please contact the Economic Development Department at (847) 923-3707 or economicdevelopment@schaumburg.com.

ComEd Small Business Assistance Program: The Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers with a one-time grant equal to 30% of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000) that will be applied to the past due balance and the remaining balance which can be spread over a payment plan of up to six months. There is also assistance to help reconnect service.

To view additional program details, and to apply, visit ComEd’s program website, or call 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331).

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has a List of Resources for Licensees and Consumers

If you have a question about business insurance coverage, please contact the Illinois
Department of Insurance (DOI). An online complaint can be filed here.

Cook County Resident Services

Property and Vital Record Services

• • Assessor
    • In response to COVID-19, the Cook County Assessor’s Office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities, and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions; the Homeowner and Senior Exemptions, will continue to auto-renew every year. More info found here.
    • Appeal deadlines for north suburban properties will be posted at CookCountyAssessor.com.
    • Reassessment notices for North suburban townships, with recent permits or special applications, do not include value adjustments due to the COVID-19 market impact.
  • Board of Review (BOR)
    • Due to newly implemented COVID-19 guidelines, the Board of Review will be utilizing a calendar to alert BOR staff members to contact you. If you would like to speak to one of their staff, or need general assistance, please click this booking page link and you will be contacted via digital means within 24 hours.
    • The Board of Review is open to the public, Monday through Friday 9 AM – 5 PM.
  • Building and Zoning
    • Inspections are happening. If you have questions, please email them at: info.bnz@cookcountyil.gov.  Staff will respond to all inquiries sent to this email address. To reach them by phone, call (312) 603-0500.
  • Clerk
    • Vital Records Customers: Please note that the Bridgeview and Rolling Meadows offices remain closed, but records can be obtained in Markham, Maywood and Skokie. Records are also available online at cookcountyclerk.com/vitals or our downtown location.
    • The Cook County Clerk’s Bureau of Vital Records, will issue Marriage Licenses remotely via an online video call. Start the application here.
    • The Clerk is accepting redemption payments in person and by mail. More information can be found here. Taxpayers and Taxbuyers who have tax redemption questions and/or concerns should email tax.redemption@cookcountyil.gov with your PIN number.
    • Apply to vote by mail online here.
    • Recordings Division, please note that NO DOCUMENTS may be recorded at the Cook County courthouse satellite offices. ALL DOCUMENTS must be recorded at the Clerk’s downtown offices at 118 N. Clark, Chicago, Room 120.
  • Treasurer
    • Taxpayers seeking property tax refunds will have new tools enabling them to file electronically instead of downloading a form and mailing it in. Taxpayers with questions on this matter can contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office via the website as well.

Court and Criminal Justice Services

• • Circuit Court
    • Modified court operations will continue. Some court proceedings started to occur in-person, while most continue to be held over video conference.
    • Court proceedings are being Live-streamed at certain courthouses. View locations, schedule, and warning for viewers here.
  • Clerk of the Circuit Court
  • Sheriff
    • To help with evictions and growing need for mental health, substance abuse, and other social service assistance, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has launched the Community Resource Center (CRC).
  • State’s Attorney
    • List of community resources available in English and Spanish here.
    • For help with any COVID-19 Fraud during this pandemic, call (312) 603-8600 or fill out a price gouging complaint form.
    • To support their health and safety, survivors of domestic violence will receive ride credits to travel to courthouses, shelters, and other safe spaces. Read full press release here.
      • The CCSAO Victim Witness Unit is available to provide Lyft codes and answer questions by calling (773) 674-7200.
  • Public Defender

Outdoors and Recreation

• • Brookfield Zoo
    • Advanced reservations are no longer required: Once the state moved into Phase 5, the zoo was no longer under any capacity limitations.
    • All “Bringing the Play Zoo to You” episodes can be found at: https://www.czs.org/BringingTheZooToYou. Each episode is available in English and Spanish, and has a corresponding Family Nature Notes newsletter (also available in both English and Spanish) which includes additional information and activities related to that week’s theme. New episodes are posted every Thursday. Encourages young children to celebrate wildlife and nature from their own home.
  • Chicago Botanic Garden
    • Admission is per person; buy your admission tickets in advance to get the best pricing and to ensure your preferred date and time. Members always receive free admission and parking.
    • Because accessibility is a priority for the Garden, we will provide 52 free general admission days each year. Preregistration is required; parking fee not included. Learn more about free admission days and preregister for a day and time slot.
  • Forest Preserves of Cook County

Housing Support

Visit https://chicookilrenthelp.org/ to find which Emergency COVID-19 Rental Assistance Programs are available. It includes programs for Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago residents.

Legal Aid with Cook County

Evictions, foreclosures, and unresolved debt issues can have a long-lasting, negative impact on your future. Call the Early Resolution Program (ERP) to speak with a lawyer and get connected to other resources. This program is available to all residents of Cook County free of charge. You do not need to have a case in court to get aid.

Call 855-956-5763 or apply online to get help today.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has allocated $275 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs.

• Eligible Illinois residents and families can apply to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine and other essential household services.
• To learn more, Illinoisans may visit this website.

For families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please refer to the following:

• Emergency shelter: Due to changes in shelter operations due to COVID-19, please call the Homeless Prevention Call Center at 1-877-4-Cook-15 (1-877-426-6515) if possible, to be directed appropriately to shelter resources. If you are not able to call, please see shelter providers in suburban Cook County.
  • If you are a suburban Cook County resident and need financial assistance with mortgage, rent payments, rent deposits, utility payments, or other housing issues, please call the Homeless Prevention Call Center at 1-877-4-Cook-15 (1-877-426-6515). Listen carefully to the prompts to choose which kind is needed. City of Chicago residents should call 311 or 312-744-5000 (outside of Chicago).

Renters living in multifamily properties with Enterprise-backed mortgages who need support should reach out to the Fannie Mae Helpline at 877-542-9723, if Fannie Mae backs their building’s mortgage, or the Freddie Mac Helpline at 800-404-3097, if Freddie Mac backs their building’s mortgage.

See Fannie Mae’s Multifamily Loan Lookup Tool here.

See Freddie Mac’s Multifamily Loan Lookup Tool here​.

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS):

Chinese Mutual Aid Association

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is now providing housing related legal services to individuals and families facing eviction, in partnership with Greater Chicago Legal Clinic (GCLC). Residents of Cook and Kane county who have current eviction cases filed against them, are delinquent on rent, or are seeking counsel in anticipation of falling behind on rent may seek the expert services of a GCLC attorney within CMAA’s office.

Contact CMAA for assistance:
773-784-2900
evictionhelp@chinesemutualaid.org

Their staff speak multiple languages with which to assist you, including:

Vietnamese
Mandarin Chinese
Cantonese Chinese
Lao
Nepalese
Hindi
Burmese
Tagalog
Spanish

Affordable Housing Opportunities

The Housing Authority of Cook County is your hub for forms, applications, and information. Learn more about the basics of Housing Choice Vouchers, Project Based Vouchers, and other HACC programs. This page also contains information and forms for applicants and residents.

Healthcare Support

Check Cook County Health’s website for changes in accessing its hospitals and health centers.

Find a testing site nearest you for COVID-19 here.

Mental Health Support

Dealing with a infectious disease outbreak can cause anxiety and stress. The recommended social distancing can also take a told on mental health. Below are a few resources:

CDC Guidance on Coping with Stress and Anxiety during COVID-19

Call4Calm – speak to a mental health professional for those experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.

text “TALK” or “HABLAR” for Spanish to 5-5-2-0-2-0
Individuals will receive a call within 24 hours
It is free and anonymous.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Guide and Resources on COVID-19

NAMI Hotline: (800) 950-6264

NAMI General Resource Guide

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration

Disaster Distress Hotline (800) 985–5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Tips for Social Distancing and Isolation with Mental Illness

Find Treatment with their Online Tool OR (800) 662-HELP

National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse https://www.mhselfhelp.org

Kenneth Young Center’s SMART RECOVERY: Meetings are now web-based

SMART RECOVERY is cost-free, peer-led support program for those who are in recovery from substance use as well as other problematic, addictive behaviors to video games, gambling, self-harm, shopping, and just about anything else.

Child Care Facility Resources

Child Care Restoration Grant Applications

• For more information, visit this link.

Utility Company Resources

Governor Pritzker launched a statewide initiative in August 2019, Connect Illinois, to expand broadband access across the entire state. Connect Illinois includes a capital investment from Rebuild Illinois, the creation of a Broadband Advisory Council and Broadband Office, and a new program that will provide all Illinois public K-12 students access to high-speed broadband at no charge. The initiative also includes a $400 million broadband grant program and a $20 million capital program for the Illinois Century Network, a high-speed broadband network serving K-12 and higher education institutions, among others.

Cable/Internet/Telecom Company Resources

National Digital Inclusion Alliance is keeping a List of national Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans – being updated daily

Each major company has had different reaction to supporting customers during COVID-19. Below are highlights but please read each company website thoroughly for details. Be aware that social media posts with incorrect information and fraudulent numbers are being circulated to scam information and money out of consumers. If you have questions, reach out to companies directly on official websites and through sanctioned numbers.

Library Resources

Libraries – Check their website or call ahead before going. Most libraries provide access to stream and download: ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies, TV shows, and music. You can also find online learning courses including mastering a new language, learn computer skills or research your family’s genealogy. Contact your local library to find out how you can access their digital collection

Schaumburg Township District Library

Poplar Creek Public Library District

Barrington Area Library

Gail Borden Public Library

Elk Grove Public Library

Palatine Public Library

Rolling Meadows Public Library

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Bartlett Public Library District

Roselle Public Library District

Mount Prospect Public Library

Virtual Museum/Visits

Brookfield Zoo – watch or re-watch their “Bringing the Zoo to You” videos and more on YouTube here.

Chicago Botanic Garden – visit their Garden Stories blog for some fun and educational projects to do from home.

Arts for Illinois – browse works from talented artists – performers, singers, poets, painters, writers, and many more from across Illinois – who have made their works available for the public’s enjoyment while at home during these challenging times.

Volunteer Efforts

The State of Illinois is working with community partners to connect with those who want to safely volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be in person and virtual volunteer opportunities. If you are a non-profit you can also submit a request for needed volunteers.

Start your volunteer search at: http://serve.illinois.gov/

Are you a licensed healthcare professional? Register at https://illinoishelps.net/ to part of an alert system and respond if available, when activated, to a significant disaster or public health emergency.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Needs

The State of Illinois is asking for donations from any person or business with personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be spared to help protect first responders. Please contact PPE.Donations@Illinois.gov.

You can also donate PPE through Cook County by emailing: donate@cookcountyil.gov.

If you are interested in donating lunch to clinic staff who are working against COVID-19, contact Jack Daley at jadaley@cookcountyhhs.org.

If someone wants to manufacture PPE in Illinois: ima@ima-net.org (Illinois Manufacturing Association).

Translated Resources

Visit the State of Illinois Resources website for guidance, executive orders, and other important information in the following non-english languages: Español, Chinese, Polish, Arabic, Tagalog, Urdu, and Hindi. Check back for any additional language needs.

Immigration-related Resources

IDHS and the Immigrant Funders Collaborative have launched the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project, which will provide pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants.

• The fund will support immigrants regardless of status to help families address unemployment, medical costs, food and housing insecurity, and loss of income that have resulted from the pandemic
• It is meant for immigrants ineligible for federal funding relief
• More information can be found here.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Please check the USCIS office closings page to see if your Application Support Center has reopened before coming to an appointment.

Disclaimer

All content provided on this page is for informational purposes only. Commissioner Kevin Morrison makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this page or found by following any link on this page, with the exception of links to information hosted at cookcountyil.gov and other official government websites. We have not checked or verified content, and please use discretion when viewing. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. Cook County Government nor Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison bear any responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.