Hi friend. These guides walk you through finding shelter, food, housing help and more in Illinois, in plain words. Pick the one you need, or start with Guide 1. Every guide has a Download the PDF button too.
- 1Start Here: No cost Help in Illinois, Step by StepWhere to start if you need help in Illinois: 211, ABE benefits for SNAP and Medicaid, shelter, food, ID and your rights, in plain words.
- 2Emergency Shelter Tonight in Illinois: How to Find a Safe BedHow to find a safe place to sleep tonight in Illinois: Chicago 311, Coordinated Entry, family, youth and domestic violence shelter, and what to bring.
- 3Housing Help in Illinois: Rent Help, Vouchers and Tenant RightsRent help in Illinois, Housing Choice Vouchers, court based rental assistance, security deposit rules, eviction notices and fair housing rights.
- 4No cost Food Help in Illinois: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksHow to find food today in Illinois, apply for SNAP through ABE, sign up for WIC, get school meals for kids, and reach your county food bank.
- 5No cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in IllinoisWhere to find no cost clothes, showers, laundry, diapers, period products and hygiene items in Illinois, and how to stay safe in heat and cold.
- 6No cost Job Help and Job Training in IllinoisNo cost job help in Illinois: Illinois workNet centers, IDES unemployment, job training, help for people with disabilities or a record, and unpaid wages.
- 7No cost and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in IllinoisHow to get health coverage and care in Illinois: Medicaid through ABE, All Kids, Get Covered Illinois, health centers, mental health help and 988.
- 8Domestic Violence Safety and Housing Help in IllinoisSafety and housing help for domestic violence survivors in Illinois: the statewide helpline, orders of protection, housing help for survivors and safe shelter.
- 9Help for Veterans in Illinois: Housing, Health and BenefitsHelp for veterans in Illinois: VA health care, homeless veteran programs, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs service officers and county VACs.
- 10Help for Youth and Young Adults in IllinoisHelp for youth and young adults in Illinois: CCBYS crisis help, youth shelters, DCFS extended care, school help for students without stable housing and college help.
- 11Getting ID and Documents Back in IllinoisHow to get a no cost Illinois State ID if you're homeless, replace a birth certificate and Social Security card, and get REAL ID or a Chicago CityKey.
- 12No cost and Low Cost Phones and Internet in IllinoisHow to get a low or no cost phone and internet in Illinois: Lifeline, low cost internet plans, no cost library computers and hotspots, and digital navigators.
- 13No cost Legal and Tenant Help in IllinoisNo cost legal help for Illinois renters: eviction notices and court, fee waivers, lockouts, security deposits, sealing and Chicago's Right to Counsel.
- 14How to Make Blessing Bags in Illinois: What to Pack and How to GiveA simple, kind guide to making blessing bags for neighbors in Illinois: what to pack for cold winters and hot summers, how to give, and food drives.
Looking for help in your county? Each guide has a county section near the end with local places to call. No separate county pages yet.
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Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall. Bunklow does not run these programs. Last updated October 17, 2026.