Emergency Services Staff Available 24 Hours a Day to Transport Residents to Shelter

As single digit temperatures move into the Chicagoland area, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reminds residents to take precautions during the cold weather.

“Chicago is experiencing the coldest temperatures of the winter, and it’s important that residents in need to take advantage of our services to stay safe,” said Evelyn Diaz, commissioner, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. “Our staff is working around the clock to help residents cope with the elements.”

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services ensures that everyone has easy access to a safe, warm facility. Residents in need of shelter from the cold weather can visit any of the City’s six Warming Centers, including the 24-hour facility located at 10 South Kedzie Avenue. Warming Centers are open when temperatures fall below 32 degrees, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Over the weekend, libraries, park facilities and police stations also serve as warming centers.

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services also reminds residents that Emergency Services staff are available to assist residents in crisis 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Teams can assist residents by connecting them to shelter and other supportive services.  Approximately 4,000 beds are available in 60 shelters across the city.

Twenty-four hour transportation to shelter is available by calling the City’s non-emergency help line, 311.

As always, Chicagoans are urged to check in on family members, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and those in poor health.  Residents unable to make contact with an individual can call 311 to request a well-being check.  The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services will send an outreach team to their home and arrange for any assistance that is required.

For more information about the City of Chicago’s cold weather resources, or to request a well-being check or assistance with shelter, please call 311.