Community Service Centers
Community Service Centers help individuals and families in need access a wide range of resources from shelter, food and clothing to domestic violence assistance, job training/placement and services for the formerly incarcerated. Clients can also get information about rental, utility and other financial assistance programs. The centers also serve as warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather. Centers hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Apply for Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
DFSS is committed to preventing homelessness whenever possible. Prevention services include short-term financial assistance for rent, utilities, arrears and other costs related to housing stability. In addition to financial assistance, households receive housing stability case management focused on budgeting and resolving issues that contributed to the initial housing crisis.
CSBG Scholarship Information
DFSS CSBG Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible individuals in Chicago pursuing their higher education goals.
Case Management Services
It is not enough to place homeless people in housing without providing services that address the reasons they became homeless. Residents in crisis need support to ensure they don’t fall victim to the same issues that left them homeless in the first place.
Community Service Center Locations
Community Service Centers are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. City residents who need assistance can drop in or schedule an appointment in advance.
Cooling Areas
Extreme warm temperatures are more than an inconvenience; they pose a serious threat to health and safety. The City of Chicago has many services available to help residents weather the summer months.
Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
DFSS is committed to preventing homelessness whenever possible. Prevention services include short-term financial assistance for rent, utilities, arrears and other costs related to housing stability. In addition to financial assistance, households receive housing stability case management focused on budgeting and resolving issues that contributed to the initial housing crisis.
Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
The Division on Domestic Violence in the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and other victim serving agencies in Chicago are important in the effort to respond to family violence.
Services for formerly incarcerated
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services’ Community Reentry Support Centers can assist formerly incarcerated residents in achieving self-sufficiency while successfully reintegrating into local communities.
Weather Relief
While Chicago enjoys the diversity of four distinct seasons, our winters and summers can produce extreme temperatures. At times, weather conditions may pose a threat to health and safety. The Department of Family and Support Services works with other city departments to help residents through periods of severe weather.
Winter Resources
When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.