Help in Illinois
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 21 places in Illinois, most of them in Chicago, Rockford and Peoria, plus 9 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (12) and after prison or jail (11).
211 Illinois
Free information and referral line for every Illinois resident needing non-emergency help with housing, utilities, food, mental health, or health care. Dial 211 or text your zip code any time of day.
STOP-IT Program
Anti-trafficking program covering greater Chicagoland, the suburbs, and northern Illinois. Survivors and people who suspect trafficking can call the program hotline directly.
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Central Illinois provider for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, with emergency safe shelter, long-term NextStep Housing, orders of protection, counseling, and medical advocacy. All victim services are free and confidential.
ABE – Application for Benefits Eligibility
Illinois's portal and call center for SNAP, cash assistance, and Medicaid. Apply online or by paper form IL444-2378B; applications are reviewed at a local Family Community Resource Center, and emergency SNAP can be ready within five days.
Division of Vital Records
State office for certified Illinois birth certificates. Order by mail with a copy of valid photo ID and a check to IDPH; mail processing takes about 12 weeks, so the county clerk where you were born is usually faster.
National lines that work in Illinois
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.