Division of Student Engagement

Streetlight Chicago provides up-to-date information on shelters, health clinics, emergency beds, mental health services, and more. The website is geared for young adults in Chicago between the ages of 16 and 24 living with unstable housing.

The Night Ministry compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care, and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty, and loneliness. Drop-in services available.

Illinois Covenant House is committed to providing homeless youth (ages 18-24) with ongoing care and crisis support. Drop-in services available.

Lyte Collective serve young adults impacted by poverty and homelessness. Lyte Collective’s mission is to: mission is to: SUPPORT every young adult who contacts us, with whatever they need, for as long as they want us by their side; END harmful systems that cause young people to need our help in the first place; and BUILD a more just and equitable world together with all who aspire to do better by young people.

Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city.

Kids Above All’s Emerge Program in Chicago and Lake County helps young adults, between the ages of 18 and 24, who are experiencing homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency through housing support and case management.

Sarah’s Circle provides a full continuum of services for women, including housing, life necessities, and supportive services, to help them permanently end their homelessness.

Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

Utility Billing Relief Program
Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year.

CEDA
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) provides assistance with gas and electric assistance, furnace repair and replacement, or water assistance.

Housing Forward
Housing Forward has a program for assistance with rent and utility payments for those in suburban Cook County.

If you are at risk of evection or are worried about remaining in your home because you have been unable to pay rent, review these resources:

Know Your Rights: Eviction and Lockout Resources

Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt

If you are in urgent need of food today, please contact the Center for Student Engagement.
Phone: 773-244-5737
Location: Johnson Center (first floor)

Food Assistance

Student Care has partnered with Aramark to provide food assistance for students who are experiencing food insecurity and may benefit from meals at the main campus dining hall. Students can request meal assistance by completing the online application, completing an EARS self-referral, or contacting Student Care.

Greater Chicago Food Depository
Chicago’s Food Bank has more than 700 partners across Cook County ensuring that nutritious food is available all year to neighbors in need. Find a food pantry in your area by searching by address or neighborhood.

The Love Fridge is a Chicago mutual aid group grounded in food, working to place community refrigerators across the city. These refrigerators, painted by local artists to reflect the communities in which they live, provide neighbors the opportunity to donate food as well as take what they need, ensuring accessible food 24/7.

SNAP
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal assistance program providing food benefits to income-eligible individuals and families. In most cases, once you submit your application, your state agency or local SNAP office will process your application and send you a notice telling you whether you are eligible for benefits within 30 days. Try the eligibility tool to see if you may be eligible for benefits.

Health Services
Health Services provides a variety of services for students to improve or maintain their health, obtain appropriate medical care, and make healthy life choices.

Counseling Support Services
Counseling Support Services provides free and confidential mental health support for North Park students.

Health Service and Counseling Support Services are both located at 3317 W. Foster Ave. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm during the fall and spring semesters.

Use the new student health portal at northpark.studenthealthportal.com to schedule an appointment with Health Services or Counseling Support Services.

ThrivingCampus
Thriving Campus is a tool to assist students with locating mental health providers off campus.

NorthShore Immediate Care Center – Chicago at Sauganash
6141 North Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 293-8788

NorthShore Immediate Care Center – Chicago at Lincoln Village
6071 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60659
(224) 364-2273

Swedish Hospital
5140 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-8200

Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace
The Marketplace is helps people get health insurance who may not otherwise get coverage. You can learn more about health insurance, compare plans, and find coverage that best meets your needs. For assistance with Marketplace, contact Student Care.

Health Insurance Options for Vulnerable Youth
Learn about affordable health insurance and resources for youth who are at risk, homeless, or otherwise vulnerable.

Hospital Financial Assistance
If you need assistance paying for medical bills or are not able to get access to affordable healthcare, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the hospital system. Contact the hospital billing department, search on the hospital website, or contact Student Care for assistance.