Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Being young and on your own, or not safe at home, is so hard. You're not in trouble for reaching out, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. There are people in Illinois who help young people just like you, every day.
Here is the easy first step: if you need a safe place or someone to talk to, call 1.800.RUNAWAY (800.786.2929). It's at no cost, private and open 24/7. You can also chat at 1800runaway.org.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
1.800.RUNAWAY, the National Runaway Safeline, is a great place to start. It's at no cost and open 24/7.
Call or text 1.800.786.2929, or chat and email at 1800runaway.org. They can listen, help you think through your choices, and help you find a youth shelter near you.
- If you're 11 to 17 and locked out, ran away, or homeless without your parents, Illinois has a 24/7 youth crisis program called CCBYS. Call 1.877.870.2663. IDHS says anyone can call for a young person, including you. They can check on your safety, help with a crisis plan, work on getting back with family, and find shelter or a foster home if needed.
- In Chicago, if you're 18 to 24, The Night Ministry's Crib is an overnight emergency shelter with meals. Call 773.549.4158.
- In any county, dial 211 and ask about youth shelters near you.
- Youth crisis programs near you are in the county list later in this guide.
Sources: https://www.1800runaway.org/ and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768 and https://thenightministry.org/housing-programs-for-youth/
What to do tonight, step by step
- If you're in danger, call 911.
- Call or text 1.800.RUNAWAY at 1.800.786.2929, or dial 211. Under 18? You can also call CCBYS at 1.877.870.2663.
- Say how old you are, where you are, and if you have a safe place to sleep tonight.
- Ask about a youth shelter near you.
- If your phone is dying, ask them for the address and write it down.
- Go somewhere public and well lit while you wait, like a library or a store.
Using Safe Place by text, step by step
- Text the word SAFE and your location, like your city, state or ZIP code, to 4HELP (44357).
- National Safe Place says you'll get a text back within seconds with the nearest Safe Place location.
- Go to that location and tell a staff member you need help.
- Want to talk to a counselor instead? Text 2Chat to 4HELP (44357). You don't need to send your location for 2Chat.
National Safe Place runs this no cost text service across the country.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/txt-4-help
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm [age], and I can't stay at home tonight."
"I'm in [your city or county]. Is there a youth shelter near me?"
"I don't feel safe at home." Say so if it's true.
"Can you help me figure out what to do next?"
You're not in trouble
Calling a youth hotline doesn't mean you're in trouble. They're there to listen and help you stay safe. You did a smart thing by reaching out!
What if I aged out of foster care?
In Illinois, you may be able to stay in care, or come back, until you turn 21. Here's what Illinois Legal Aid Online and DCFS say:
- Youth in DCFS care can stay in care until 21, unless they reach self sufficiency in their service plan or no longer agree to services.
- Left care? DCFS's Supporting Emancipated Youth Services program may let you return if you were in DCFS care, are 18 to 21, and aren't a ward of the court now. It doesn't apply if your case closed because you went home, were adopted or went to private guardianship. Call 800.232.3798.
- Questions about reopening a closed case? Ask your caseworker or legal aid, and check the official page below.
Sources: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/aging-out-foster-care and https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence.html and https://jlc.org/issues/extended-foster-care/illinois
Say you just turned 18 and left care
Say you just turned 18, you left your foster home, and you're not sure how to pay rent or sign up for school. You could call the DCFS Youth Hotline at 800.232.3798 and ask about going back into care before you turn 21, through Supporting Emancipated Youth Services. You could also ask about the Youth Housing Assistance Program.
You could also ask about the DCFS Tuition and Fee Waiver, in section 4 of this guide.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence.html
Where you start doesn't decide where you end up. You've got a whole future ahead of you, friend.
From the Bunklow team
What help can I get as a current or former youth in care?
- Health care. ILAO says if you leave care at 19 or older, you may get Former Foster Care medical benefits until you turn 26. If you leave at 18, you get up to 12 months of continued coverage, until 19.
- Housing. ILAO says the DCFS Youth Housing Assistance Program helps current and former youth in care, ages 17 and a half to under 21, who aged out, with housing advocacy, and in some cases cash help to get or keep stable housing.
- Questions or problems? DCFS says its Youth Hotline, 800.232.3798, handles complaints, concerns and questions from youth it serves.
- Find programs near you. DCFS's no cost SPIDER database lists more than 1,700 agencies serving youth and families in Illinois.
Sources: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/aging-out-foster-care and https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence.html
Questions to ask your caseworker
Papers to ask for before you leave care
Can I go to college at no cost if I was in foster care?
Maybe. DCFS offers a Tuition and Fee Waiver to youth and former youth in care for their first five years at an Illinois community college or public university, as long as they make satisfactory progress toward a degree.
- DCFS says the school must waive tuition and fees above what you get from the federal Pell Grant and the state's MAP grant.
- Apply by emailing the DCFS application and your class schedule. DCFS processes them first come, first served, so apply early: by August 15 for fall, January 15 for spring, and June 15 for summer.
- DCFS also gives at least 53 scholarships each year, with tuition and mandatory fees waived at Illinois community colleges or state universities. Apply January through March 31.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/growing-minds/post-secondary-education-services.html
Can I get money for books and other school costs?
You may. DCFS's Education and Training Voucher (ETV) helps with college costs not covered by financial aid or the DCFS waiver.
- You may qualify if you're in DCFS care, aged out of care at 18 or older, or went to adoption or guardianship from DCFS care at 16 or older.
- Apply online. DCFS says the full packet must be in before June 30 of the year you have the expense.
- The Youth in College program gives a start up payment and monthly payment for room, board and personal costs to youth DCFS is legally responsible for, in full time school, for up to five years or through age 25.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/growing-minds/post-secondary-education-services.html
Starting college, step by step
- File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
- Apply to your local college online.
- Tell the college financial aid office you were in foster care, and apply for the DCFS Tuition and Fee Waiver.
- Ask the financial aid office about the state's MAP grant.
- Apply for the DCFS Education and Training Voucher for books and other costs.
- Ask if the campus has a food pantry or basic needs center.
School papers to keep safe, if you can
Can I stay in school if I don't have a stable home?
Yes. Students without stable housing can get help to stay in school, and every school district has a homeless education liaison to help.
Here's what ISBE shares:
- You may be able to stay at your school of origin, the school you went to before.
- Or you may enroll in a school that other students in your area attend.
- A new school can help you enroll even if you don't have records like report cards or proof of address. Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- ISBE has a School District Homeless Liaison Locator online. You can also ask your school counselor or front office for the district's homeless liaison, or call ISBE at 866.262.6663.
Sources: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeless.aspx and https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/
Where can I find a job or training?
- Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
- Illinois workNet centers help with jobs and training, at no cost. See Guide 6 for your county.
- Your library. No cost computers, WiFi and often help with resumes.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Who can I talk to if I'm struggling?
- 988. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time.
- The Trevor Project. No cost, private support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people, by call, text or chat at thetrevorproject.org.
- 1.800.RUNAWAY. Call or text 1.800.786.2929, even if you just need to talk.
Sources: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ and https://www.1800runaway.org/
Save the numbers
Take a screenshot of the key numbers in this guide so you have them even without data. Easy peasy!
Is 1.800.RUNAWAY at no cost?
Yes. It's at no cost and open 24/7 by call, text, chat or email.
I'm 15 and my parents locked me out. Who can I call?
Call the CCBYS line at 1.877.870.2663, any time. IDHS says it serves youth 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without their parents.
Can I stay in foster care after 18 in Illinois?
ILAO says youth in DCFS care can stay until 21, unless they reach self sufficiency in their service plan or no longer agree to services.
I left care at 18. Can I go back?
You may. Ask DCFS about Supporting Emancipated Youth Services at 800.232.3798.
Is college no cost for former youth in care in Illinois?
DCFS's Tuition and Fee Waiver covers tuition and fees above Pell and MAP grants for the first five years at an Illinois community college or public university.
Can a school turn me away because I don't have papers?
Ask for the district's homeless liaison. They can help you enroll even without the usual records. Check the ISBE page for details.
Sources: https://www.1800runaway.org/ and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768 and https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/aging-out-foster-care and https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence.html and https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/growing-minds/post-secondary-education-services.html and https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeless.aspx
Here are youth crisis programs and shelters near you. Youth crisis programs (CCBYS) serve ages 11 to 17, 24/7.
Not sure who covers your area? Call 1.877.870.2663.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
National Runaway Safeline (1.800.RUNAWAY)
What it offers No cost, confidential, nonjudgmental support 24/7. Crisis staff listen, help you look at options and connect you with local help.
How to reach Call or text 1.800.786.2929. Chat at 1800runaway.org
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Home Free
What it offers Helps young people ages 12 to 21 get a safe ride back to a confirmed adult or safe place, at no cost to the youth.
How to reach Call 1.800.786.2929.
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
love is respect
What it offers For young people dealing with abuse in a relationship, or with questions about what healthy looks like.
How to reach Call 866.331.9474.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers No cost, confidential support 24/7 for emotional distress, mental health or substance use worries.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at chat.988lifeline.org
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Illinois
Here are some places to start.
CCBYS crisis line (ages 11 to 17)
What it offers Illinois runs 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents: safety checks, crisis plans, family reunification, and shelter or foster placement. Anyone can call for a youth, including the youth.
How to reach Call 1.877.870.2663.
Source https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chicago
Here are some places to start.
Chicago 311 (youth and families)
What it offers Call 311 for shelter. The City's resource page lists Salvation Army Shield of Hope for families and youth.
How to reach Call 311. Available 24/7.
Source https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/homelessness-response/home/resources.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
The Night Ministry youth housing
What it offers The Crib is an overnight emergency shelter for young adults 18 to 24, with meals and basic needs, and a path to longer housing. Interim Housing offers up to 120 days for ages 18 to 24. Parenting with Purpose helps pregnant youth and young mothers ages 16 to 22.
How to reach The Crib 773.549.4158 or 877.286.2523. Interim Housing and Parenting with Purpose 773.506.4100. Youth Outreach Team 773.506.3122.
Source https://thenightministry.org/housing-programs-for-youth/ and https://thenightministry.org/contact-us/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Chicago youth crisis programs (CCBYS, ages 11 to 17)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents. The provider depends on your neighborhood, so the state line can connect you.
How to reach Youth Outreach Services 773.777.7112. Alternatives, Inc. 773.506.7474. Universal Family Connection 866.239.2724. Not sure? Call 1.877.870.2663.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Suburban Cook County
Here are some places to start.
Suburban Cook youth crisis programs (CCBYS, ages 11 to 17)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents. The provider depends on your township.
How to reach Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness 708.679.8100. Youth Crossroads 708.484.7400 ext. 006. The Bridge Youth and Family Services crisis line 847.776.3720. Not sure? Call 1.877.870.2663.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
DuPage County
Here are some places to start.
DuPage Youth Service Coalition (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for DuPage County youth ages 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 630.543.2111.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
360 Youth Services
What it offers Emergency shelter and other housing for young people 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness in DuPage and Kane counties, with priority for those sleeping outside, in cars or without safe housing. Also counseling.
How to reach Fill out the Get Housing Help form online. Office 630.961.2992.
Source https://360youthservices.org/get-housing-help/ and https://360youthservices.org/contact-us/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lake County
Here are some places to start.
Omni Youth Services (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for Lake County youth ages 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 847.353.1500 ext. 0.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Will County
Here are some places to start.
Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 in Will and Grundy counties who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 708.679.8100.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Kane County
Here are some places to start.
Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 in Kane and Kendall counties who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents. Ages 18 to 24 can also ask 360 Youth Services about housing.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 708.679.8100.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
McHenry County
Here are some places to start.
Pioneer Center for Human Services (CCBYS)
What it offers Youth crisis help for McHenry County youth ages 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach Call the state CCBYS line at 1.877.870.2663, or call or text 988.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Winnebago County
Here are some places to start.
Youth Services Network (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 in Winnebago and Boone counties. Youth Services Network also offers homeless services and runaway services.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 815.986.1953. Office 815.986.1947.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://ysnkids.com/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Madison County
Here are some places to start.
Brightpoint (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 in Madison, St. Clair and nearby counties who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 618.463.6880.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
St. Clair County
Here are some places to start.
Brightpoint (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for St. Clair County youth ages 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 618.463.6880.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Champaign County
Here are some places to start.
The Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 in Champaign, Ford and Iroquois counties.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 1.800.200.6804. Office 217.352.5179.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sangamon County
Here are some places to start.
Youth Service Bureau (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for youth ages 11 to 17 in Sangamon, Christian, Logan, Mason and Menard counties.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 217.529.8300 ext. 6.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Peoria County
Here are some places to start.
Children's Home Association of Illinois (CCBYS)
What it offers 24/7 crisis help for Peoria County youth ages 11 to 17 who are locked out, have run away, or are homeless without parents.
How to reach 24 hour crisis line 309.687.8787.
Source https://bureau-fcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=dcd77912446e49e3a8b31d8b2929c9c4 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
CCBYS provider map
What it offers Find the youth crisis provider that covers your area anywhere in Illinois.
How to reach Linked from dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Source https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30768
Last checked October 17, 2026
Illinois 211 (outside Chicago and Cook County)
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Illinois. The call center is open 24 hours a day.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search at search.211illinois.org
Source https://www.211illinois.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I believe in you. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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