If you are in need of immediate help, call 911, the Veteran Crisis Center (800-273-8255), or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8235). All are available toll-free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Please find information below on organizations that provide services and programs available for veterans, services members and their families.

City of Evanston General Assistance Program

The City of Evanston General Assistance Program provides assistance to persons who are not eligible for any other state or federal financial assistance programs and who do not have income or resources to provide for their basic needs. The General Assistance Program works in partnership with various City programs and community organizations to assist individuals with becoming employment-ready and self-sufficient.

Emergency Assistance Services
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. The Emergency Assistance Program is operated and funded by the General Assistance Program and is provided according to adopted and written standards set forth by the General Assistance Program. Emergency Assistance can only be issued once in a 12-month period and must meet the definition of “Emergency” or “Life-Threatening” situation.

City of Evanston General Assistance Office
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Room 1600
2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-448-8112

Illinois Joining Forces (IJF)

illinoisjoiningforces.org
Phone: 833-INFO-IJF 
Illinois Joining Forces serves as a statewide public-private partnership that promotes the efficient delivery of growth and wellness initiatives for service members, veterans and their families at the community level throughout the state of Illinois. 

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) 

illinois.gov/veterans 
Phone (within Illinois): 800-437-9824
Phone (out of state): 217-782-6641
TDD: 217-524-4645
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) mission is to empower veterans and their families to thrive. IDVA assists with navigating the federal, state and local government resources to obtain earned benefits; provides long-term health care for eligible veterans in veterans’ homes; and partners with other agencies and non-profits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing and employment challenges. Visit the website to locate the nearest Veteran Service Officer.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

vfw.org 
Phone: 217-529-6688
Email: vfwil@vfwil.org 
Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve veterans, the military and ommunities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.

Evanston Vet Center

vetcenter.va.gov
Address: 1901 Howard St.
Phone: 847-332-1019
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.

American Legion Post 42

evanstonp42.com 
Address: 1030 Central St.
Phone: 847-475-9076
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. Post 42 has been serving veterans and their families in our community since 1919.

VFW - Post 7186

vfw7186.org
Address: 1655 Foster St.
Phone: 224-717-0995
The VFW is a group of wartime veterans dedicated to assisting their community and comrades. As yesterday's defenders of freedom, they want to welcome today's military service members into their ranks to become part of their committed group of warriors. Their common bond is the battlefield, whether it is service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Kosovo, the war on terrorism or the many other places you have served that don’t get national attention. Your courage and sacrifice have made a difference in preserving and defending the world against destructive forces that seek to dominate and enslave those who are unable to defend themselves. It is their hope that those who are eligible will join them in their mission!

Evanston VA Clinic: Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center

lovell.fhcc.va.gov
Address: 1942 Dempster St. 
Phone: 847-869-6315

Connections for the Homeless

connect2home.org
Email: info@connect2home.org
Address: 2121 Dewey Ave. 
Phone: 847-475-7070
Connections for the Homeless provides families with financial assistance to prevent homelessness, shelter people in crisis, house individuals and families, and organize the community through direct advocacy efforts. They build supportive relationships with their participants that make it possible for them to prevent and end homelessness, one person at a time.  

Rush University Road Home program 

roadhomeprogram.org 
Phone: 312-942-8387 (VETS)
The Road Home Program at Rush provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment. We understand that it takes courage to seek treatment and we are committed to helping you through this difficult time. We take the time to learn your unique situation and tailor our care to best serve your individual needs.