Living Space

If you are literally homeless -- i.e., you do not have a place to call home -- turning to friends and family for refuge is your first line of defense. If these resources do not exist, human and social service organizations, spiritual and religious institutions and the City of Chicago work together to assist Chicagoans in need.

First explore community-based organizations and religious/spiritual institutions with which you are familiar, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. If you need immediate assistance, the Chicago Department of Human Services (DHS) is your next best resource for accessing local support. You can contact DHS at 312-746-8545, or click here.

Arts organizations such as the Pollock Krasner Foundation, Change Inc., CERF Emergency Assistance for Craft Artists, and the Adolph and Ester Gottlieb Foundation run emergency relief programs and grants specifically for artists.

Consider participating in a shared housing program, in which you live with either a special needs or elderly homeowner. You provide security and companionship in exchange for room and board, which may either be free or a nominal fee. Programs, living arrangement and costs vary. For more information about shared housing opportunities in the metropolitan area, contact the Chicago Department of Aging at 311 or 312-744-5770. Also review the National Shared Housing Resource Center's Website.

Rooming or boarding houses also offer a possible affordable option when faced with a housing emergency. Costs vary from location to location. Some options might include meals or allow day use of the facilities (showers, cooking, washing, etc.), while others may provide single rooms or dormitory-style living. You can start your search for these types of spaces with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, both of which offer a variety of rooming options. In addition, the Boarding Home Association of Greater Chicago (BHA) also offers information and resources on area boarding homes. Contact BHA at 773-276-1151. Listings of boarding homes can also be found in the local telephone directory.

Hostels are another low-cost alternative. Hostels are traditionally short-term rooming houses used primarily by travelers. There are three hostels in Chicago with prices starting at $20 per night for a dormitory room. For more information about hostels, visit Hostels.com, Hostel World or Hostelling International USA.

TIP: If you need immediate housing assistance, contact the Chicago Department of Human Services at 311.

Chicago Department of Human Services
The Chicago Department of Human Services (DHS) partners with a strong network of area social service providers to connect individuals and their families to local housing resources. DHS operates nine walk-in centers across the City that are open to anyone in need of housing assistance, as well as round-the-clock emergency services to victims of home fires and other disasters.

There are approximately 125 temporary shelter programs in Chicago that serve homeless men, women and families. In total, these facilities provide up to 6,000 beds on any given night. Shelters vary in the populations they serve, and the scope of services they provide. Some temporary shelter programs require referrals from DHS or other social service agencies in order to be eligible for assistance. Those in need of shelter should contact DHS by phoning 311 or 312-746-8545.

DHS offers access to the following types of shelters and homeless programs:

• Emergency Response Shelters (ERS): Overnight shelters that provide initial assessment of clients, information and referrals. Most shelters for single adults close during the day-time hours. However, shelters that service families normally remain open 24 hours a day. Some ERSs are seasonal, opening during the winter months and other times of intense need. ERSs are meant to provide one or two nights' stay while more adequate living arrangements are made.

• Domestic Violence: Emergency housing is available for victims of domestic violence and their children, and offer other support services such as counseling. The 24-hour Domestic Violence Help Line can be reached at 877-863-6338.

• Transitional Shelters: Operate 24-hours a day, and provide support services for families and single adults. Clients can stay up to 120 days, at which time they may move into Second Stage or other permanent housing.

• Second Stage Housing: These programs provide subsidized housing with supervised care and support services for families and single adults. Clients may be charged up to 30% of their income, and can stay up to two years. At the end of the two years, clients normally move into permanent housing.

Many Chicagoans with low to moderate incomes, or those living paycheck to paycheck, may face homelessness. One financial setback, like an illness or loss of a job, can put them in housing jeopardy. Sometimes, a single month's rent or security deposit is all you may need to carry you through a crisis and regain stability. DHS offers two rental assistance programs for which you may qualify:

• One Month's Rental Assistance: This program provides one month's rent for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming so. Clients who are income-eligible can only benefit from this program once.

• Homeless Prevention Fund: This program provides rental and utility assistance to those on the brink of homelessness. Funds are meant to keep people from losing their home or apartment.

If you are homeless now, or are in the process of losing your living space, your first step is to contact the DHS by dialing 311. You will be forwarded to a DHS representative who will direct you to a safe location where an outreach team can pick you up and transport you to an Emergency Response Shelter. For safety reasons, you may want to wait at a nearby police station or hospital.

These facilities are secure and open 24 hours a day. The outreach team will be familiar with their locations. Once you arrive at the shelter, an assessment will be conducted and staff will work with you to get you into supportive or permanent housing. Click here for a complete list of agencies serviced by DHS.