City of Evanston
Home MenuGovernment » Departments » Health & Human Services » Coronavirus Disease
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- State of Illinois Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- IDPH Hotline: 1-800-889-3931, dph.sick@illinois.gov
- Cook County
- AlertCook: Text "AlertCook" to 888-777, Hotline: 708-633-3319, Email: CCDPH.COVID19@cookcountyhhs.org.
- Northwestern University
- ETHS District 202
- Evanston/Skokie School District 65
- NorthShore University HealthSystem
- AMITA Health
General & Emergency Assistance Program
The City’s Health and Human Services Department offers financial and emergency assistance towards rent, mortgage, utilities and food. For information, please call/text 847-448-4311.
The General Assistance Program is a locally-administered program that is mandated by the State of Illinois and funded by the taxpayers of Evanston. The Emergency Assistance Services Program is administered through the General Assistance Program and is available to all City of Evanston residents who meet income and asset guidelines as established by the General Assistance Office.
Comcast Resources
Comcast Xfinity is offering free WiFi hotspots across the country for anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit xfinity.com/wifi. Comcast is also offering Internet Essentials free to new customers. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. More information and services can be found at corporate.comcast.com.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program, Emergency Broadband Benefit, to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the pandemic. This program provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company.
ComEd and Nicor are providing energy assistance to customers impacted by COVID-19.
ComEd is also offering small businesses assistance for businesses whose service has been disconnected.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services, including heating, gas, propane and electricity. LIHEAP income eligibility is up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Income eligible households may also submit a pre-application for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding that can help pay for rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities. CSBG income eligibility is also up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Fill out a pre-application online at helpillinoisfamilies.com. More information.
Citizen's Utility Board Resources
- The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has announced guidance for renters and homeowners struggling with payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. View this resource from Legal Aid Chicago for questions about eviction notices.
- The Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO) can assist residents with questions related to landlord-tenant problems, including repairs, no heat/hot water, pests, evictions and security deposits. Information and questions can be submitted online or by calling 773-292-4988.
- Please note, the City does not have authority over private mortgage foreclosures or to impose a rent freeze.
- If you feel you are in danger of becoming homeless, please visit the website of Housing Action Illinois.
- If you are already experiencing homelessness, please visit the Emergency and Transitional Provider List to find shelter options near you.
- Click here for a guide to available resources and questions to ask when deciding to delay payments.
- If you are a landlord looking to fill vacancies, register your units with the city housing programs so that we can reach out to you if a tenant can be matched to your unit.
- Guide for At Risk Homeowners from Illinois Realtors.
|
Produce Mobile Distribution
The Interfaith Action of Evanston’s Produce Mobile is scheduled to pop up in Evanston on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center (1801 Main Street; east of Dodge on Main; (Bus #93) in Evanston. Upcoming Produce Mobiles will be held on April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8, December 13, 2022.
There is a walk-up line only. We suggest you bring strong bags with handles and a wheeled cart. Volunteers are available onsite if help is needed to transport produce to guests’ vehicles. Free parking is available in the Robert Crown Center parking lot, on the north side of Main Street, and on nearby neighborhood streets.
Produce Mobile volunteers will distribute 15-25+ pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables per person to Cook County residents while supplies last. Numbered tickets are given out. Those who have not previously registered for food provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) will be asked to register one time only and be given a GCFD pantry card to use in the future. Those who have already registered should bring their GCFD pantry cards with them. Restrooms and seating are available.
Please call 734-646-7170 or 847-475-1150 for more information or to volunteer.
Additional Resources
The City has assembled a list of additional Food Resources.
Strategic Consulting Support
Northwestern University and its Kellogg School of Management are partnering with the City of Evanston to provide strategic consulting support to local business owners. The initiative allows Evanston business owners to set up a profile on Startup Tree, a software provider that facilitates university entrepreneurship. Local business owners can browse the Kellogg network of volunteers across functions and industries and schedule meetings to discuss their business challenges. They also can work with student volunteers on short-term projects, such as cash flow analysis.
Federal Assistance
- US Small Business Administration Loans
- US Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
- US Small Business Administration Lender Match Program
Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small business with participating SBA-approved lenders
State of Illinois Level Assistance
- Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)
- IDES Unemployment Benefits for employees
- State of Illinois COVID-19 Small Business Impact Survey
- IDES Unemployment Insurance
- Information for Small Business
- Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance
- Stay at Home Order Essential Business Guidance
- Disability Resources
- Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Funeral Homes
- Emergency Daycare Program
- Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau: call 877-470-5076 or submit a complaint online.
- Unemployment Insurance Eligibility: call Claimant Services at (800) 244-5631.
County Assistance
- Taxes, Fines and Fees Relief Package
- Cook County Community Recovery Fund Application. This loan fund offers one-time, zero-interest loans of up to $20,000 for small businesses and up to $10,000 for independent contractors in suburban Cook County.
Non-Profit Assistance
Corporate Assistance
- Grubhub suspends commissions for independently owned restaurants needing delivery service
- Free Xfinity Wifi Hotspots
- Facebook announces grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
Community Development Financial Institutions
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) can help provide additional financial resources for small businesses.
- ACCION Chicago
Lending Type: Consumer, Microenterprise
Phone: 312-275-3000 - C3 Fund
Lending Type: Business
Phone: 312-543-2481 - Chicago Community Loan Fund
Lending Type: Housing, Real Estate
Phone: 312-252-0440 - Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group
Lending Type: Microenterprise, Business
Phone: 773-341-2072 - IFF
Lending Type: Community Facilities, Housing
Phone: 312-629-0061 - Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND)
Lending Type: Business, Microenterprise
Email: lendnu@gmail.com - Local Enterprise Assistance Fund (LEAF)
Lending Type: Business, Housing, Microenterprise
Phone: 617-232-8765 - Oportun
Lending Type: Consumer, Microenterprise
Phone: 650-810-8942
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused fear and anxiety for many. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using the following mechanisms to help cope with stress:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Additional Resources
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety and are in need of mental health services, please refer to the following resources:
Mental Health Resource Guide
The mental health sector of the Mayor COVID-19 Task Force compiled a mental health and substance abuse resource guide for Evanston residents. View the guide in English and Spanish.
AMITA St. Francis Hospital Behavioral Health Services
The City has contracted with AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital to provide education, mental health care, support, counseling and crisis intervention services. Residents may dial 847-448-8659 to access these free services.
Call 4 Calm
Call 4 Calm is a free emotional support text line where you can speak with a mental health professional.
Text “TALK” to 552020 or “HABLAR” for service in Spanish to the same number 552020. Message and data rates may apply. (View Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement)
For Healthcare Professionals and Essential Workers
Text for support dealing with anxiety, stress, fear, isolation, or other difficult emotions you are experiencing. Visit forthefrontlines.org to learn more.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Helpline: 312-563-0445 (trained counselors available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
NAMI Resource Guide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-275-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233, thehotline.org
COVID-19 and Gun Violence Prevention
Speak for Safety Illinois is raising awareness about orders of protection during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Firearm Restraining Orders (FRO). Learn more at speakforsafetyil.org.
Illinois Department of Human Services
Non-Crisis Mental Health Providers
Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice
illinoismentalhealthcollaborative.com, 1-866-359-7953
Impact Behavioral Health Partners (formerly Housing Options for the Mentally Ill)
impactbehavioral.org, 847-868-8664
Virtual Support Group via PEER Services
Join a FREE virtual support group for community members struggling with substance use during the pandemic. The support group takes place on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Contact ggarcia@peerservices.org to join!
The Living Room at Turning Point
The Living Room is a drop-in center for adults over the age of 18 who are seeking mental health assistance. They are open remotely on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, 3-8 p.m., to support people via phone or video conference at 847-933-9202.
Family Institute at Northwestern University
The Family Institute at NU has a clinic providing therapy services remotely. They use a sliding scale payment model. (847733-4300.
Erika's Lighthouse
Erika's Lighthouse is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing teens with depression awareness programs.
North Shore Alano Club
North Shore Alano Club is home to 45+ Alcoholics Anonymous meetings each week, and is offering these meetings online during COVID-19 for anyone who feels they may have a drinking or using problem.
Chicago Alcoholics Anonymous
Chicago Alcoholics Anonymous is offering remote/online meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental Health Q&A
On April 20, Mayor Hagerty hosted a "Coronavirus Q&A" on mental health with local experts, Dr. Adia Gooden and Dr. Christine Somevill.
For Families and Caregivers
- The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development GOECD has updated information on actions taken by the state regarding childcare and early childhood development on GOECD's website. This site includes updates on emergency child care for essential workers and teletherapy in Early Intervention, among other critical issues.
- Call 1-888-228-1146 toll free to be connected with a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency that helps connect essential workers and families to emergency childcare. Text 1-312-736-7390 to be connected with Illinois Action for Children regarding the Child Care Assistance Program.
- District 65's Family Support Program is providing support like diapers, food, and connections with services in the community to expectant parents and families with children ages 0 to 3 years old. For information, please call 847-424-2446.
- Visit cps.edu/remotelearning for the most up-to-date information on remote learning and to access valuable remote learning resources for your children. CPS has provided this guide for Getting Connected to the Internet and best practices for privacy and confidentiality when participating in remote learning.
For Providers: Education and Childcare
The City, in partnership with the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston 311 and the Evanston Public Library, launched the Evanston Care Network to better connect individuals seeking social service assistance and resources with verified providers.
The Evanston Care Network is available at evanstoncarenetwork.org. The platform connects residents with social service information and resources, while allowing businesses and non-profits to better coordinate their efforts. Resource categories include food, shelter, health care, employment, financial assistance, and more. Contact information and eligibility criteria are listed under each resource.
Those seeking resources can visit the website or call 311 for assistance. English and Spanish-speaking representatives are available.
All organizations currently providing free or reduced-cost support to Evanston residents are encouraged to add their information to the website.
Pet Food and Supplies
The Evanston Animal Shelter is providing dog and cat food, cat litter, and miscellaneous pet items, as available, to community members in need. Hours are Monday through Friday by appointment only. Please call Evanston Animal Shelter Office Manager Natan Lipton-Lubet at 847-866-5082 for information.