Covid-19 Resources

Here are resources for addressing health and economic needs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic shutdown.

Cook County Resources for Small Businesses

The Community Recover Initiative at Cook County offers comprehensive economic relief for small businesses, nonprofits, community service organizations and independent contractors (1099 workers) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Forms and resources are here.

Ways to Help Our Community Fight Covid-19

Illinois Covid-19 Response Fund: Donate to the fund started by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to raise funds for the individuals, families and communities hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. So far, $10.5 million has been raised and distributed.

Donate to Local Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund: Click on the link to give a charitable donation to Northwest Community Healthcare's Foundation. The Foundation has established a local Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund where 100% of money raised will be used to assist patient care and support the staff.

Journey's The Road Home: Most PADS shelter sites have had to close--and financial donations are the most needed. Housing an individual or family for one night in a local hotel is $75. Other options to help can be found at journeystheroadhome.org.

Social Distancing is Hard on Our Mental Health. Here's Help.

Many thanks to Illinois Sen. Ann Gillespie for providing these resources in her newsletter. You can subscribe to her directly here.

Call4Calm: The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 552020, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 552020. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support. Individuals can also text 552020, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how to navigate and access support and services.

NAMI The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help dealing with a mental health condition. Residents are encouraged to call our local NAMI chapter at 847-496-1415 to learn about what resources are available during the COVID-19 crisis. If you live outside of this area, call 800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit www.nami.org to find services near you.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Sometimes, anxious or depressive feelings can develop into suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Chat with a skilled, trained crisis worker by calling 800-273-TALK (8255). Worried about a friend? The Lifeline can also give you advice to support someone else who may be struggling.

Crisis Text Line If you aren’t able or don’t want to talk on the phone, the Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text “HOME” to 741741 from anywhere in the US to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor—every text is viewed by a human who can help you make a plan to stay safe and healthy. Learn more or message them online at www.crisistextline.org.

Telehealth Services: To ensure all Illinoisans have fast, easy, and safe access to the care they need during the COVID-19 crisis, Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order last month to expand telehealth services across the state. Under the order, all state-regulated insurance companies must cover the cost of telehealth services, including mental and behavioral health care, without a cost-sharing requirement. Contact your provider to find out what services may be available remotely.