- About COVID-19
- Return to School/Work
- Posters
- General Information
- Governor’s Education Related Executive Orders and Messages
- ISBE Guidance
- IASA/AASA Guidance
- Information/Resources to Support Students, Parents, and Teachers
- Communications For and From School Districts
- E-Learning Plans
- Homelessness and Food Resources During School Closing
- IDPH Press Releases
- Legal Guidance
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HOMELESSNESS & FOOD RESOURCES
We've compiled a list of resources for our neediest families where they can access food, rent assistance, legal help and more, many provided by Tom Bookler, North Cook ISC McKinney-Vento Liaison.
• Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic: https://findhelp.org/
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
Families with school aged children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals should receive extra SNAP benefits through Pandemic EBT. This benefit is calculated using $5.70 per day. Families who have school aged children and are currently receiving SNAP do not have to take any action to receive these P-EBT benefits. Households with school aged children who are eligible for free or reduced meals when school is in session, but who do not currently receive SNAP benefits, will be able to submit a simplified application for P-EBT benefits using the https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/ online portal or by completing a paper application, which will be available at the IDHS website.
Meals for Kids Interactive Map
Find meals for kids when schools are closed. This site directs people to local sites where kids can get free meals. The maps are available in English and Spanish.
North Cook County's Township Food Pantries:- Barrington Township Food Pantry
- Elk Grove Township Food Pantry
- Evanston Township Food Pantry
- Maine Township Food Pantry
- New Trier Township Food Pantry
- Niles Township Food Pantry
- Northfield Township Food Pantry
- Palatine Township Food Pantry
- Schaumburg Township Food Pantry
- Wheeling Township Food Pantry
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has set up a fundraising page specifically for coronavirus donations: chicagosfoodbank.org/covid
Northern Illinois Food Bank recommends that people in need of food use their website to find their closest food pantry and opening hours etc.: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/where-to-get-food/
Metropolitan Tenants Organization's Renter's Resources During COVID-19
Shares tips for Chicagoland renters, resources for those who cannot pay rent, and news regarding moratoriums on evictions, utility cut offs, etc.
ILLINOIS LEGAL AID ONLINE-LEGAL ISSUES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Legal guidance for a variety of COVID related questions about, but not limited to, the following: Work, Housing, Healthcare, Public benefits, Consumer scams, Driver's licenses and IDs, Taxes, Traffic tickets and towing, Parenting time, Signing documents, and Student loans.
Homeless SupportHomeless liaisons and School District liaisons work directly with families during this trying time to make sure that homeless children and unaccompanied youth have materials needed to complete school assignments, access to meals, and to ensure their safety and stability. They also work to identify and locate specific services or connections with other agencies.
In suburban Cook County, if you have any questions or need more information, contact Dr. Tom Bookler at tbookler@ncisc.org or 847-803-5605 and also 630-386-0883. View Lead Area Homeless liaison contact information.
CEDA (Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County)
Suburban Cook County family support resources, information, and referral helpline – FLYER
Youth Homelessness Poster
Hotlines for resources for unaccompanied youth both 17 years of age and younger and 18 years of age and older, including food, healthcare, emergency shelter and temporary housing – POSTER
North/Northwest Suburbs Resource Directory
Association of Homeless Advocates in the North/Northwest District (AHAND) – DIRECTORY
Guidance from SchoolHouse Connection regarding COVID-19 and Homelessness
COVID-19 and Homelessness: Strategies for Schools and Early Learning Programs
IDPH Recommended Guidance – Homeless Shelters
Recommended Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Homeless Shelters