YWCA Child Care Asssistance Program: The YWCA administers the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program to help income-eligible parents pay for child care while they work or go to school.

One Hope United: The Child Care Assistance Program is a federal program providing low-income, working families with access to affordable child care. CCAP allows families to continue working while children develop healthy, emotional and social development skills.

Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): The Illinois Department of Human Services' (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency are working together to support families to get the information and resources the need to find and select the best child care for their child.

FL DOE Child Care Resource and Referral Services: To find a child care resource and referral office in your area, contact your early learning coalition or call (toll-free) 1-866-357-3239.

If a student is based in Chicago: 

• Connections for Abused Women and their Children provides crisis shelters, counseling, police and court advocacy, and other services. 24-hour hotline: 773.278.4566
• Between Friends Chicago offers counseling, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline: (800) 603-4357. 

If a student is based in Chicago or suburban Cook County: 

• Life Span provides information, advice, legal civil representation, counseling, court advocacy and immigration legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault within Chicago and Suburban Cook County. Contact: 312-408-1210.

If a student is based in Lake County, Illinois:

• A Safe Place offers shelter, community education, housing, individual and group counseling, courthouse advocacy and prevention education for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Their crisis line is 1-800-600-SAFE and their email is info@asafeplaceforhelp.org.

For qualifying students, the NLU Emergency Fund Application is now available for the Fall 2022 term. The emergency fund is awarded first come first served and uses your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) to determine your award amount as outlined below. If you have completed this application for a previous term, you are not eligible for the emergency fund for the Fall term. For additional resources, please visit the THRIVE Campus and Community Resource Page.

Location based Emergency Funding resources

If a student is based in Chicago:

• Please reach out to eheitzman1@nl.edu to learn more about the referral process to request emergency funds through All Chicago in order to access money for unexpected or unaffordable expenses.
  

If a student lives in Evanston and needs emergency funds:

• The City of Evanston has an emergency fund that can be used for rent, utilities, and food.
  

If a student is based in McHenry County these townships may be able to offer emergency financial assistance:

• Alden Township: (815) 648-2720, 8515 Alden Road, Harvard
• Algonquin Township: (847) 639-2700, 3702 Highway 14, Crystal Lake
• Burton Township: (815) 675-9139, 1917 Main St., Spring Grove
• Chemung Township: (815) 943-4558, 807 8th St., Harvard
• Coral Township: (815) 923-2424, Olson Road & Jefferson, Union
• Dorr Township: (815) 338-0125, 1039 Lake Ave., Woodstock 
• Dunham Township: (815) 943-5598, P.O. Box 116, Harvard
• Grafton Township: (847) 669-3328, 10109 Vine St., Huntley
• Greenwood Township: (815) 648-4653, 5211 Miller Road, Wonder Lake
• Hartland Township: (815) 338-5526, 15813 Nelson Road, Woodstock
• Hebron Township: (815) 648-2994, 10206 Seaman Road, Hebron
• McHenry Township: (815) 385-5605, 3703 Richmond Road, McHenry
• Marengo Township: (815) 568-1355, 4010 N. Rte 23, Marengo
• Nunda Township: (815) 459-4011, 3510 Bay Road, Crystal Lake
• Richmond Township: (815) 678-0077, 7812 S. Rte 31, Richmond
• Riley Township: (815) 568-8326, 8910 S. Route 23, Marengo
• Seneca Township: (815) 923-2288, 16506 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock

If a student is based in the greater Chicago area (city and suburbs):

• The Salvation Army has an application form for assistance with rent, utilities, medicine, food, clothing, public transit costs, and other basic needs. 

If a student is based in Tampa and needs financial assistance:

• Metropolitan Ministries has a COVID-19 emergency fund for rent, utilities, and mortgage payments. 

If a student is based anywhere in the U.S. and needs financial assistance: 

• The One Fair Wage Emergency Fund is for restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and others in similar positions who have seen a drop in income due to COVID-19. 
• The Operation Homefront emergency fund is for veterans and military families.

NLU Emergency Fund FAQ 

How long will it take to receive the NLU emergency funding?

The emergency fund applications are reviewed within five business days. If you elected to have the funds posted as a tuition credit, you will see the credit posted on your student account. If you elected to have the emergency funding sent to you, the fastest way to receive your funds is to set up direct deposit.

If you cannot sign up for direct deposit, then a check will be mailed to the address we have on file. Please give the check 2-3 weeks to arrive before requesting that the check be reissued.

What do I need to do if I need to make a change to my application?

If you need to make a change to your application once it is submitted, please email Brigid Callahan at bcallahan3@nl.edu. Many students submit another application when they want to make a change to their application, however only your first application will be considered. It is important to note that depending on when you submitted your application, it may be too late to make any changes. If you submit multiple applications in one quarter, you will receive an email informing you that we have received a duplicate request and that only one application per quarter can be processed.

How long will it take to receive a response regarding my application?

You will receive a status update within five business days of receiving your application. Please note that during the high-traffic times of the term, there may be some delays in processing (we experience a significant increase in applications typically at the beginning of each quarter).

I selected to have the emergency funds applied to my tuition balance, can I change that now?

No. We are very intentional about asking you to check the option to apply the award money to your tuition as opposed to being direct deposited into your bank account or being mailed out to you. Please carefully consider your needs when selecting this option as we will not be able to change this once the payment has been processed.

When are payments processed?

We generally process check payments once a week on Fridays. When you receive a status update regarding your application, please note that does not mean that the payment has been processed, but only that your application has been approved/denied. Depending on the time of your application, you might have already received the payment (if signed up for direct deposit) or if we were able to process your application within a day of receiving it, there may be additional days in between to actually process the payment.

 **Please note that if you applied for the Emergency Fund around the same time that you would be issued a financial aid refund check, the money may come combined on one check. There have been circumstances where students have been waiting for a separate check for the amount awarded through the Emergency Fund while not realizing that these funds were already sent combined with their financial aid refund checks.

Nourishing Hope

In addition to food and Wellness services, Nourishing Hope offers a variety of other Social Services:

• Employment: Information about local job/employment openings and resources, and receive help with resumes, interviews, and other job preparation requirements.
• Children and Families: Cradles to Crayons KidPacks (includes items such as clothing, shoes, diapers, and hygiene kits). Learn about local resources for children and families.
• Financial: Work with a Case Manager to determine your eligibility for the Nourishing Hope Grant Program. Receive budgeting assistance. Learn about other financial assistance resources in the city.
• Health: Receive referrals for healthcare needs, free/sliding fee scale clinics, prescription coverage resources and other needs.
• Housing, Public Benefits, and Transportation Assistance
• Domestic Violence Support

Illinois Dept. of Public Health Cash Assistance Programs

• Find info here. 

Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) - Illinois

• Use this site to apply for and manage your healthcare, food, and cash assistance benefits. https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/

Other

• If you have lost your job, you are not alone. Illinois has seen a huge increase in unemployment. If you have not yet applied for benefits, you can do so at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Q&A about Unemployment Benefits during COVID-19.
• U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state's eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all 102 counties due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans at: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ 
• Cook county earned sick leave ordinance and covid-19 (FAQ): https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/cook-county-earned-sick-leave-ordinance-and-covid-19
• Hospitality Industry Assistance: Another Round, Another Rally Fund
  
  • To apply for a grant or make a donation: https://bit.ly/3ancD0X
• ONE FAIR WAGE
  • Emergency Support Fund for service workers will be making temporary cash gifts once funds are available. Sign up to connect with an organizer here: : https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help

NLU Food Pantry

Find info about the NLU Food Pantry here. 

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

NLU has partnered with mRelief to assist students in accessing SNAP benefits. Students can find out more information about mRelief and/or find out if they are eligible to receive SNAP benefits by visiting https://nl.edu/student-services/counseling-and-wellness/mrelief-snap/ or locating mRelief on your portal and NLU website.

Additional Food Assistance Resources

• If you are looking for a food pantry, please visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food They are keeping careful track of what pantries are open, closed, or have reduced hours. You can also check out this list of Chicago Food Pantries. 
• Brave Space Alliance is operating a crisis food pantry for queer and trans folk in Southside Chicago, has a prioritization list among them the undocumented: Fill out this form for a request
  
• Lakeview Pantry has locations in Lakeview/Uptown, Hermosa/Humboldt Park, Avondale, and home delivery for people who can't make it to the pantry due to adverse circumstances. Food is offered in prepared boxes or consumer choice for online order.
• Care For Real Food and Clothing Pantry has locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park. 
• Top Box Foods is a fresh produce delivery service that accepts SNAP/Link cards.

If a student is based in the Chicago suburbs and needs food ASAP:

• Any student can access the Wheeling NLU Food Pantry Monday-Friday between 9-4pm.

• Northern Illinois Food Bank has mobile pantries serving suburban communities. 

If a student is based anywhere in Illinois and needs food ASAP:

• They should check out this map of food pantries and SNAP- and WIC-accepting grocery stores.

If a student is based in Tampa and needs food ASAP:

• This Feeding Tampa Bay map can connect students with food pantries throughout the area. 

Illinois Dept. of Human Services: Housing Resources/Programs

• Find list here.

Evictions: 

The eviction moratorium ended on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, but Illinois tenants still have options. If you are worried about remaining in your home because you have been unable to pay rent: 

1. Don't Self-Evict - If you get an eviction notice, know that only the Sheriff can carry out an eviction. It is illegal for your landlord to try to remove you from your home. 
2. Get Legal Help 
   • Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt is a free resource to help landlords and tenants resolve housing and debt issues. Visit cookcountylegalaid.org or call 855-956-5763.
   • Legal support for tenants is also available at rentervention.com or text "hi" to 866-773-6837. 
   •  Eviction Help Illinois offers free legal help for Illinois Residents who are renters facing potential eviction.  https://evictionhelpillinois.org/
3. More Renters' Rights Assistance:
   • Chicago Renters' Rights Hotline: 312-742-RENT. Learn more about Renters' Rights here.
   • Metropolitan Tenants Rights: The Metropolitan Tenants Organization is a membership organization made up of tenants, tenant organizations, community members and groups who support the mission of MTO. Hotline: 773-292-4988.

Find more info here.

Affordable Housing

Public Housing Agency

Find your local Public Housing Agency here. 

Illinois Housing Search

This is a free, online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois. Search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate housing that will fit your needs and budget. Please check back for new and updated listings often.

For additional assistance, call 1.877.428.8844 (toll free) Monday-Friday 8am-7pm Central. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.  https://ilhousingsearch.org/

HUD Housing Choice Voucher

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the PHA based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, a PHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location. The PHA serving your community can provide you with the income limits for your area and family size.

Find out more and apply here.

Emergency Housing

Illinois Dept. of Human Services: Emergency and Transitional Housing Program

• The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program gives immediate and comprehensive shelter services to persons experiencing homelessness and persons at risk of becoming homeless. 

• The program provides funding for meals, shelter and supportive services to non-profit organizations and local governments.

  Shelter programs in Illinois consist of:

  • Overnight shelters - a place to sleep for less than 12 hours.  Meals and supportive services are available.
  • Transitional shelters - shelter for up to 2 years with food and supportive services.
  • Voucher shelter - provided by hotels and motels through a voucher program when shelters are full or not available.
• More info here.

If a student is based in Chicago and in need of emergency shelter: 

• Calling 311 is the fastest way to access immediate shelter in the City of Chicago; they keep records of what shelter beds are open and available at different agencies around the city.
• For those 25 and under, Aunt Martha’s has crisis lines and connections to youth-specific shelters. In Cook County, that number is (708) 679-8100. Anyone can call, whether in need of services for themself or someone else.

If a student is based in suburban Cook County and in need of emergency shelter:

• Students can access shelters via MyEntryPoint.org, which is a part of the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County.

If a student is elsewhere in greater Chicagoland:

• Kane County: 
• Lazarus House provides shelter in Kane County. 
• Aunt Martha’s (for those 25 and under) has a Kane County crisis line: (847) 608-4250.

• Lake County: 
• 211 Lake County has referrals to shelters (as well as services across-the-board). 

• Will County: 
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet provides shelter in Will County. 
• The Will County Crisis Line (815-722-3344) may have other resources. 
• Aunt Martha’s has a Will County crisis line for those 25 and under: (815) 768-8750.

• DuPage County: 
• DuPage CRIS has referrals to emergency services and services across-the-board, plus a helpline: (800) 942-9412. 

• McHenry County: 
• Home of the Sparrow for women in need of emergency housing; they also offer the Rapid Rehousing Program that assists with affordable housing
• McHenry County Housing Authority can provide referrals over the phone at (815) 338-7752.

• Lake County, Indiana: 
• Indiana 211 provides referrals to emergency housing and other resources.

If a student is based in Tampa, FL: 

• Catholic Charities operates emergency shelters in the area, and their phone number is 813-631-4370. 

• The Spring of Tampa Bay operates emergency shelters for domestic violence survivors, and they have a 24-hour crisis line, 813-247-7233.

Risk of being homeless or you are experiencing homelessness:

Suburban Cook County:

My Entry Point http://myentrypoint.org/

Chicago:

Chicago Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent.

ASSISTANCE MAY INCLUDE:

• Payment of future rent, or rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Security deposits in cases of fire, flood, foreclosure, domestic violence, or eviction

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF:

• You live in the City of Chicago
• You are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or other emergency
• You economically classify as a low-income household
• Your landlord completes the RAP requirements

OPTIONS TO PROVE ELIGIBILITY:

• • Eviction notice, proof of loss of income or proof of other qualifying emergency
  • Paystub, benefits statement, or affidavit (explanation) of no income
  • Driver's License, State ID, CityKey, or other
  • Lease
  • Landlord agreement forms

Rent/Mortgage Assistance

Illinois Housing Development Authority

This site is intended to help guide Illinoisans in need of emergency housing assistance due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the emergency assistance programs available to you by multiple state agencies including: the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/#affordable-housing-ID

Illinois Department of Human Services

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance: The Illinois Department of Human Services partners with community-based agencies to provide emergency rental and utility assistance to eligible Illinois households impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Eligibility criteria for the program

Applicants must meet each of the following criteria to be eligible for assistance:

1. 1. Illinois residency
   2. Financial hardship due to, or during, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
   3. Applicant's household income does not exceed 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Priority will be given to applicants who either have a household income below 50% AMI or are unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days
   4. Citizenship is not required. Rental assistance is not a "public- charge" benefit
   5. Applicant has not already received ERA benefits for the same time period from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, or any other County, or City of Chicago program

How to apply

Eligible tenants and landlords can apply for the ERA program by contacting any of the agencies. You can search for an agency nearest to your residence of an agency that can meet your language need. 

311 (Chicago)

If a student is in Chicago and needs help with rent:

• The State Homeless Prevention Program has emergency funds that Chicagoans can access by calling 311 and asking for “short-term help.” Students must be able to document “a short-term economic crisis beyond their control."

Other Rental Assistance Opportunities in Chicago: 

• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago has a rental assistance program.  It’s unclear at this time whether they are referring applicants to other agencies outside Catholic Charities or not. 

If a student is based in suburban Cook County and needs rental assistance:

• Housing Forward has a program for assistance with rent and utility payments. 

If a student is based in Illinois and needs rental assistance: 

• The HANA Center has an IL Homeowners Fund and offers Housing Counseling services. HANA focuses on refugee and immigrant services, so immigrants and mixed-status households will be prioritized. 
  • HANA Center’s HUD-certified counselors provide one-on-one counseling, workshops, and referrals to support limited English-speaking Korean Americans and multiethnic immigrants to obtain and maintain affordable housing and work toward achieving long-term housing goals. Focus areas include rental, pre-purchase, post-purchase, foreclosure prevention, budgeting/financial management, and assisting older adults to apply for public housing.

If a student is in Will County and needs resources: 

• The Will County Center for Community Concerns offers a Resource Guide here.

Additional Housing Assistance

Nourishing Hope (Social Services) helps clients apply online for a variety of housing waitlists, among other things. 

• Get an update from NILC on access to healthcare for immigrants and their families
  
  
• UndocuScholars created an extensive list of nationwide resources for undocumented Communities facing COVID-19
  
  
• The Resurection Project provides the tools and services necessary to navigate a complex immigration legal system, ensuring access to justice for immigrants. We strive to keep families together and protect the rights of our most vulnerable community members. We advocate for immigration policies and offer high-quality legal screenings, representation, and bilingual trainings.
• Brave Space Alliance is operating a crisis food pantry for queer and trans folk in Southside Chicago, has a prioritization list among them the undocumented: Fill out this form for a request
  
  
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights created an infographic about DACA and unemployment insurance in Illinois. 

If you don't have dedicated internet at home and are not able to order one through a local provider, such as RCN or Comcast (cable providers) or AT&T (DSL), your remaining options are as follows:

1. Wi-Fi Sharing with a Neighbor. If your immediate neighbor has internet connection and a Wi-Fi router with a strong signal, contact your neighbor by email or phone (do NOT physically go to him/her) and ask if he/she would be willing to share internet access with you. If so, your neighbor will provide you with network name and password to connect to his/her Wi-Fi connection.

Please understand that your neighbor is not at all obligated to share internet and is doing you a big favor. Consider reimbursing him/her for part of the monthly cost (do NOT physically go to your neighbor's house to do this), and also be mindful of bandwith limitations. This means limit your usage of shared Wi-Fi to necessary work and personal communication, and abstain from bandwidth intensive applications, such as streaming YouTube videos or playing video games.

2. Drive-Up Wi-Fi Hotspots. These public drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots in Illinois are intended for remote learning during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interactive map provides drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots with specific guest log-in instructions by site for educators and students engaged with PreK-12 and higher education.  The map is housed at the Illinois House of Broadband, and was created with a help from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois State Board of Education, and other Illinois public agencies.

3. Comcast Xfinity Wi-Fi Free for Everyone. Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi  Once at a hotspot, select “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.

Comcast is also helping customers in the following ways:

• Pausing Data Plans: With so many people working and educating from home, Comcast says they want their customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. Comcast says while the vast majority of customers do not come close to using 1TB of data in a month, they are pausing our data plans for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.
• No Disconnects for Late Fees: Comcast will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact them and let them know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Comcast says care teams will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.

How would I know if I'm within range of free Xfinity hotspot or my neighbor's Wi-Fi?

Follow instructions below to see a list of Wi-Fi networks available near you and signal strength. If xfinitywifi is available, it will be listed. Search for networks with Good or Excellent connection level. Many networks with weak signal will also show up on the list, but are generally of little use to you.

Network names with a word "Secured" or closed lock sign indicate that password is required (e.g. your neighbor's Wi-Fi). Network names with a word "Open" or open lock sign indicate open access (e.g. xfinitywifi). 

IMPORTANT: Sometimes, Wi-Fi network names appear legitimate / official, but are actually fake. This is called Wi-Fi spoofing. If you connect to a fake Wi-Fi, it will allow the intruder to intercept all your information. To avoid becoming a victim, always double-check the name and connect ONLY to known networks. For example, only xfinitywifi, NOT yfinitywifi, xfenity, freexfinitywifi, etc. If using your neighbor's Wi-Fi, first get the exact name of the network, match that name to the name on the list, and only then connect. Never connect to unknown open networks.   

How to find available Wi-Fi connections on your device?

1. Xfinity Wi-Fi Instructions (different devices Mac and Windows): https://wifi.xfinity.com/connect-devices.php
2. iPhone, iPad: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202639
3. Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201735
4. Android devices (e.g. Samsung): https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075847?hl=en
5. Windows 10: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027030/windows-10-connect-to-a-wi-fi-network
6. Windows 10 Mobile: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17237/windows-10-mobile-wifi-connections
7. Windows 7 (Lenovo): https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500407

Off-campus organizations and resources listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the organization by National Louis University. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of National Louis University.

Learn more about NLU's Counseling & Wellness center resources here: nl.edu/wellness

All degree-seeking students also have access to counseling via telehealth from the Virtual Care Group. 

If a student is based in Chicago and needs access to counseling or behavioral health services: 

• Asian Human Services provides behavioral health services focusing on the diverse emotional and social needs of Asian immigrants and refugees and other underserved communities.

• Inner-City Muslim Action Network also provides behavioral health services for Chicago’s south and southwest sides and the Southwest suburbs of Bridgeview, Oak Lawn, and Chicago Ridge. 

If a student is based in Tampa and needs access to mental health services: 

• The Life Center of the Suncoast provides free counseling to victims of crimes

From Governor JB Pritzker and the team at Illinois Department of Human Services a new text line for mental health support

• The governor announced a free mental health text line called “Call 4 Calm.”
• Text TALK to 552020. For Spanish calls, text HABLAR to 552020
• Text UNEMPLOYMENT, FOOD and SHELTER to 552020 and you will receive information back to help you navigate.
• You will receive a text back before anyone calls you. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the call, indicate that in your response to their initial text.
• This is not a crisis line. It's a resource and support line.

Rush Offers Video Visit Consultations for Coronavirus

• Rush Hospital Press Release - COVID-19 Video Consultations
• Video visits are available to anyone 18 and older, whether or not they have seen a doctor at Rush in the past.
• The flat rate for all video visits is $49. However, If a patient is found to be at risk for novel coronavirus, their visit is free. A Rush emergency department provider will assess the patient’s condition and guide them through next steps, including how to come to Rush for care, if needed.
• Video visits are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week
• For assistance connecting to a video visit, you can contact (312) 563-6600 or email at virtualcare@rush.edu
• Ulifeline - This online resource has information about mental health, as well as a self-evaluation screening which does not provide a diagnosis, but identifies problems that could be impacting thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The screening process also provides information on these conditions and how to reach out for help.

• Sanvello app - free premium access to this highly-rated mental health app that includes cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness.  “During this challenging time, Sanvello is a place you can go to feel better and meaningfully connect with others—anywhere, anytime.”
• Illinois Warm-line - The warm-line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. We are here to serve you.
  Call: 866.359.7953
  TTY: 1-800-273-8255
  Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
• National Crisis Text Line - Text "HELP" to 741741
• National Veteran Crisis Text Line - Text "HELP" to 838255
• Crisis Lifeline for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing Loss - TTY - Dial 800.799.4889
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 24/7 Help is available. Speak with a counselor today. Call: 800.273.8255
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 -  24/7 help.
• Ayuda Español  - Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda.  888.628.9454
• 24-Hour Crisis Prevention for LGBTQ Youth: Call: 866.488.7386 OR Text "HELP" to 678678
• 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline - For those who are worried about quarantining during #COVID-19 in home where they do not feel safe, live help is available through the IL Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 in English & Spanish. Call or text 877.863.6338

NLU Food Pantries generally carry tampons, maxi pads, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

If a student is based in Chicago: 

• Chicago Lights has some clothing and toiletries available; make sure to reach out and confirm availability of clothing.
• Care for Real Food and Clothing Pantry (Edgewater) offers toiletries and clothing.
• Pilsen Clothes Closet (at Pilsen Food Pantry) offers free children's clothes, Thrift Shop Pricing, and Discount Programs.

Students also can use emergency funds to pay utility bills.

LIHEAP (Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program):

• https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/UtilityBillAssistance/Pages/HowtoApply.aspx

If a student is based in Rogers Park or nearby and needs help with utility bills:

• The Howard Area Community Center provides assistance with applications to LIHEAP and other programs that provide grants for past due amounts to People’s Gas and ComEd. 

If a student is in Chicago and needs help with their water bills:

• The City of Chicago’s 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. Benefits for UBR participants include:

    • A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax
    • No late payment penalties or debt collection activity
    • Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance

If a student is based in greater Chicagoland and needs help with utility bills:

• CEDA provides assistance with gas and electric assistance, furnace repair and replacement, or water assistance. 
• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago has a utilities assistance program. It’s unclear at this time whether they are referring applicants to other agencies outside Catholic Charities or not. 
• Housing Forward has a program for assistance with rent and utility payments for those in suburban Cook County.
• If a student is homeowner, EHRP provides qualified applicants with a one-time grant to repair or replace their furnaces or boiler heating systems.

If a student is in Will County and needs help with their water bill. 

• The Will County Center for Community Concerns can provide some financial assistance with water bills, if the student has received a disconnection notice. 

If a student is based in Tampa and needs help with utility bills:

• Metropolitan Ministries has a COVID-19 emergency fund for rent, utilities, and mortgage payments.