COVID-19 RESOURCES & SUPPORTS - (FALL 2020)

City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center

Mental Health Supports:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Information & Resources
• COVID-19 and Your Mental Health (Mayo Clinic)
• NAMI Chicago Helpline
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call 1-800-273-8255)
• Crisis Text Line
• Mindfulness: Practice one of these mindfulness activities and/or download a mindfulness/meditation app. Insight Timer is free and has great options for kids. Headspace currently has a free collection of meditations, sleep, and movement activities called “Weathering the storm.”
• Many therapeutic practices are offering free mental health check-ins during the pandemic. Mosaic Therapy is one example - check it out here or google to find other practices!
• Mental Health Resource Guide for Adolescents

Benefits:

• You can complete the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) online or via phone.

• Online Application (click the “Apply for Benefits” button).

• Here are some step-by-step directions to help. The website says the entire process should take about 30 minutes.

• ABE hotline (for application via phone): 1.800.843.6154.

Employment:

• You may be eligible to apply for unemployment insurance if you are without access to paid sick leave or unable to work because of COVID-19. You can learn more here.

Housing:

• Cook County has suspended evictions for the time being. This means that if you are unable to pay your rent, you cannot be evicted. If you are at risk of homelessness, please call 311 and request “short term help” or “rental assistance.” You will be connected with a case manager to see if you qualify for homelessness prevention funds to use for security deposits, rent, mortgages, and/or utilities.
• Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS): A student is considered to be in a temporary living situation if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. If your family is in this situation, please email Mrs. Craig (oozis@cps.edu) so we can have a confidential conversation to discuss different supports and resources that may be available to you. You can learn more here.

Utilities:

• Your water, gas, and electricity will not be disconnected during the Governor's mandated state of emergency. The Illinois Commerce Commission is protecting you from disconnection for non-payment and is suspending late fees.
• Free Internet: Students may qualify for either high-speed internet or a district-provided hotspot at no cost through the Chicago Connected program. You can check to see if your family is eligible here.

• Families who are not eligible for the Chicago Connected program can explore low-cost internet options here.