Food/Aid Support

URGENT NOTE: IMPACT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Please be aware that as of October 26, 2025, the federal government shutdown significantly impacts certain programs. We strongly urge all visitors to *carefully read the 'Funding/Status'* column for the latest operational risks.

IMMEDIATE ACTION: All impacted individuals should *apply immediately* for all eligible state benefits through ABE.Illinois.gov and contact local non-profits for immediate relief.

1. CRITICAL: STATE BENEFITS (IDHS)

Detail	SNAP (Food Stamps)	WIC (Women, Infants, Children)	Illinois Dept. of Human Services (IDHS)
Phone Number	(800) 843-6154	(800) 843-6154	(800) 843-6154
Complete URL	https://www.ABE.Illinois.gov	https://www.ABE.Illinois.gov	https://www.IDHS.Illinois.gov
Funding/Status	FEDERAL FUNDING AT RISK: October benefits were paid. November benefits are at serious risk of being delayed or suspended if the shutdown continues past October 31. Illinois IDHS offices are open, but cannot issue new benefits without federal authorization.	FEDERAL FUNDING AT RISK: Funding is state-dependent, but some states may run out of WIC funds in early November. Illinois agencies are operating for now but are monitoring the situation closely.	STATE-FUNDED PROGRAMS ARE OPERATIONAL. Programs like TANF, CCAP, and state-funded Medicaid continue to be processed and paid through state funds.

2. CRITICAL: UNEMPLOYMENT & FEDERAL EMPLOYEE AID

Detail	Unemployment Compensation (UCFE)	FEEA Shutdown Grants & Loans	Federal Credit Unions (FCUs)
Phone Number	(800) 244-5631	(202) 554-0007	Action: Call your specific bank/credit union.
Complete URL	https://www.IDES.Illinois.gov	https://www.FEEA.org	N/A (Institution-Specific)
Funding/Status	OPERATIONAL VIA STATE: Program for furloughed federal workers managed by the State of Illinois (IDES). Filing is strongly advised.	OPERATIONAL VIA NON-PROFIT: A private non-profit actively accepting applications for $150 micro-grants and interest-free loans for eligible federal workers.	OPERATIONAL VIA PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS: Most credit unions are actively offering 0% or low-interest "Furlough Relief Loans" and payment deferrals to their members.

3. FOOD BANKS & NUTRITION

Detail	Greater Chicago Food Depository	Feeding America (National Locator)
Phone Number	(773) 247-3663	N/A (Online Locator)
Complete URL	https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/	https://www.FeedingAmerica.org
Funding/Status	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Private/Donation-Based): These operations are run by non-profits and donations. They are fully open and expect demand to increase significantly due to SNAP uncertainty.	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Non-Profit): Provides national network links to find the nearest food bank.

4. UTILITY & RENT ASSISTANCE

Detail	Help Illinois Families (LIHEAP/CSBG)	All Chicago (Emergency Fund)
Phone Number	1-833-711-0374	Call 3-1-1 and ask for "Short-Term Help."
Complete URL	https://www.HelpIllinoisFamilies.com	https://www.AllChicago.org
Funding/Status	OPERATIONAL (Mixed Funding): Agencies are still taking applications. Funding is mixed (federal/state) and may see slow down but remains the official channel.	OPERATIONAL (City/Private Funding): Assistance for rent, deposits, and utilities accessed through the Chicago 3-1-1 system. Largely funded by city and private sources.

5. WORKFORCE & JOB TRAINING

Detail	Cara Collective	UCAN Workforce Development
Phone Number	(312) 798-3300	(773) 588-0180
Complete URL	https://www.CaraCollective.org	https://www.UCANChicago.org
Funding/Status	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Non-Profit/Mixed Funding): Non-profit providing free workforce training, job placement, and professional coaching. Fully available.	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Non-Profit/Mixed Funding): Provides career services, job training (WIOA), and employment assistance. Fully available.

6. GENERAL CRISIS & REFERRAL

Detail	2-1-1 / United Way	9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	City of Chicago 3-1-1
Phone Number	Dial 2-1-1	Dial or Text 9-8-8	Dial 3-1-1 or (312) 744-5000
Complete URL	https://www.211.org	https://www.988lifeline.org	https://www.311.Chicago.gov
Funding/Status	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Non-Profit/Local): Crisis hotlines and non-emergency referral services that continue to operate 24/7.	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Federal/Essential): Crisis lifeline that continues to provide free, confidential support 24/7.	FULLY OPERATIONAL (Local/Essential): Assistance with non-emergency city services and community program referrals.