Frequently Asked Questions

I am homeless, and I need a place to live: Call Chicago City Services at 311 or 312-744-5000. Tell the operator that you are homeless and in need of shelter. If you live in suburban Cook County, call 1-877-426-6515.

I have a place to live now, but I am in danger of becoming homeless: Call Chicago City Services at 311 or 312-744-5000. Tell the operator “I need short term help.” You will be transferred to a Homelessness Prevention Call Center. Callers with hearing problems can access TTY equipment at 312-948-6817.

I am homeless, or at risk, and I need legal advice.” Call Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Law Project hotline, weekdays, at 1-800-940-1119.

I need food: Click here for an interactive map of food pantries, soup kitchens, mobile food distribution or shelter in Cook County from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. If you live outside of Cook County, click here. For assistance with SNAP (food stamps) or Medicaid benefits, call the Greater Chicago Food Depository at 773-843-5416.

I need help with filing my taxes” Free tax help is available to low-income Chicago residents. Call 311 or visit www.TaxPrepChicago.org for information. Qualified Chicago families and individuals can receive free tax return preparation and e-filing at tax sites located across the city.

I need a wide range of assistance: Visit your nearest DFSS Community Service Center, weekdays from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Drop in or schedule an appointment to identify your needs for a range of resources, including shelter, food, clothing, domestic violence assistance, job training/placement, and services for the formerly incarcerated. You can also get information about rental, utility, and other financial assistance programs. The facilities serve as Warming and Cooling Centers during periods of extreme weather. 

Community Service Center Locations

Englewood Center 312-747-0200
1140 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620

Garfield Center 312-746-5400
10 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60612

King Center 312-747-2300
4314 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653

Contact Us 

Inner Voice

Office

567 W Lake Street, Suite 1150  Chicago, IL 60661

Email

info@ivchi.org

Phone

(312) 994-5830