Community members have access to many organizations available to provide assistance in times of need. The Library has compiled a list of community resources below. Click the link for additional information about the organization and services available.
AT&T Internet Access
AT&T offers low-cost Internet service for eligible households based on income.
BEDS Plus
BEDS Plus helps vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services.
Services include:
To donate:
Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago
Catholic Charities supports all who turn to them, with or without religion, regardless of nationality and background.
Southwest Regional Services: 12731 S. Wood Street, Blue Island, IL 60406 | 708-430-0428
Services include:
Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE)
CORE provides support to food and beverage service employees with children who have been medically diagnosed with COVID-19 and are experiencing financial hardship. If a family qualifies for CORE support, they receive a grant to cover medical bills for children, gas cards, groceries, clothing, medical supplies and therapies, utilities, rent and mortgage, and other essential needs a family might need to navigate their specific circumstances. CORE works with the family to create the best and most impactful grant for their needs. For more information, email info@coregives.org
Disaster Financial Assistance
Find out how to get emergency financial help from the government if you’ve been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or a natural disaster. Get help with food, housing, bills, and more. Learn about stimulus checks and read what’s included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Elsie’s Pantry
Elsie’s Pantry is a joint ministry of Savior Divine Lutheran Church and Living Faith Community Church. The food pantry is open on Thursdays from 2-4pm (drive-through pickup of prepackaged boxes only during the pandemic). This service is open to residents of Palos Hills, Palos Park, Palos Heights, Hickory Hills, Willow Springs, Justice, Orland Park, and a part of Bridgeview, based on monthly income. There is a limit of two visits per month. To donate, please put items in the pantry drop-off box located near the church.
Location: 10040 S. 88th Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Other services may be available. Please call 708-598-4435 for more information.
Family & Community Services
The Division of Family & Community Services (FCS) helps Illinois residents by connecting them with many programs and services. This Division improves the health and well-being of individuals and promotes self-sufficiency and integrity of families in Illinois.
To access services, use the DHS Office Locator to find your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) or other programs and services in your area.
Findhelp.org
Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic. Users can search by zip code and filter results by need.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with:
LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices.
Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to strengthen families and help them realize their full potential. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, Metropolitan empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, and to thrive through services provided in four key areas. Programs range from early learning, afterschool, and job readiness to counseling, mental health services, and legal assistance.
Southwest Center: 10537 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, IL 60465 | 708-974-2300
To donate:
Please consider hosting a drive with your friends, colleagues, local community members, civic, corporate, or church groups. Many items are needed on an on-going basis depending on the type of services. For more questions and to deliver goods, contact Sarah Rifkind, Development Coordinator, at RifkindS@metrofamily.org. The following items are needed:
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained, and able to provide guidance.
To contact the NAMI HelpLine, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264) or send an email to info@nami.org.
Oak Lawn High School Free Meals
Oak Lawn Community High School (OLCHS) in partnership with Country House Kitchens will begin providing free meal packets as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) extension to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Free meals will be available for curbside pick-up from 10:30am- 1:00pm Monday through Friday. Each daily meal packet will include breakfast, lunch, and beverage items. Free meals are available to any and all families with household children under age 18. Participants are not required to be OLCHS students nor do children need to be present at the pick-up.The meals will be distributed at Oak Lawn Community High School from the Northwest corner of the building. Vehicles should enter the campus from Austin Avenue (north of the football field) and exit onto Southwest Highway.
Location: 9400 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Pilgrim Faith Food Pantry
The pantry is a volunteer effort supported by donations from individuals, churches and community groups. This food pantry is open to everyone. Regular Pantry Days are Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Please note that registration is required and that you are limited to one visit per week.
Location: 9411 S. 51st Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
To donate:
Pillars Community Health
Offers health and social services, sometimes free but otherwise offered on a sliding scale. There are various locations in the surrounding area. Call 708-PILLARS (745-5277) for more information.
Services offered:
Pathlights
Programs and services from Pathlights, formerly known as PLOWS Council on Aging, help people 60 years and over and adults with disabilities living at home. They offer integrated solutions to help individuals maintain their health, dignity and self-worth in the community, ensuring independence in their homes for as long as possible. Call 708-361-0219 for more information.
Services include:
Southside Pregnancy Center
The Southside Pregnancy Center offers a variety of services to pregnant women. This includes Southside Women’s Services, a clinic that provides free and confidential pregnancy services.
Individuals can also take benefit from The Market, a program that offers material assistance for baby and maternity necessities. Clients earn points for attending educational classes, going to prenatal Doctor’s appointments, etc. They then exchange their points for desired items, free of charge.
For information about services and scheduling, please call 708-229-0092 or text 708-325-8765.
To donate:
The Market accepts material donations from individuals and organizations. Materials can be dropped off at 3759 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:30pm. Most needed items include:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.
Services include:
Together We Cope
A prevention agency based in Tinley Park, Illinois, Together We Cope provides resources to families in temporary crisis, enabling them to stay in their homes.
Location: 17010 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477 | 708-633-5040
Services include:
To donate: