Resources for Youth and Families
While Mercy Home is a resource for many children and families in Chicago, the following resources may also be helpful.
Essential Phone Numbers
- Mercy Home Reception: West Loop Campus (312) 738-7560, Walsh Campus (312) 298-2910
- Chicago Department of Public Health: (312) 746-SICK (7425) or 311 during evenings, weekends and holidays
- Illinois Department of Public Health: (800) 889-3931
- Rush Hospital Coronavirus Consultation: (888) 352-RUSH
- Emergency Situations: 911
- Emergency Shelter (within Chicago): 311
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
Resources will continue to be updated on the City of Chicago’s website, which is a reliable source of information. This includes health, mental health, food, housing, utilities, financial and employment, schools, youth and undocumented individuals.
- Health Information & Chicago COVID-19 Response Center: Chicago.gov/coronavirus
- Chicago Department of Family & Support Services: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss.html
Food
The Greater Chicago Food Depository provides a list of food pantry, soup kitchen, mobile food distribution or shelter in Cook County. Search by zip code and call the site before visiting to confirm hours and requirements. https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/
The Food Depository’s benefits outreach team is available by phone to help Chicagoans apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid benefits. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase groceries from local stores. Eligibility is determined by household income. For benefits outreach assistance, call (773) 843-5416 Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Low or No Cost Internet Access
- Comcast Internet Essentials: https://www.internetessentials.com/
- Spectrum Internet Assist: https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist