It’s normal for students to stress about many things — like finals, for instance — but housing shouldn’t be one of them. As winter break approaches, many students are stressed about where they’re going to sleep. In Chicago, an estimated 4,477 people are experiencing homelessness— with 73 percent of the population being African Americans.
According to the City of Chicago’s 2021 Homeless PIT Count & Survey Report, the total number of unaccompanied youths counted in 2021 was 213. Of those unaccompanied youth tallied, nearly all the sheltered and unsheltered youth were between 18 and 24 years of age, and that’s the typical age group for college students. Among the reasons for homelessness include mental health, financial hardships, loss of family support, and more.
If you, or someone you know, are at risk of experiencing homelessness, here are six resources ranging from rental assistance and temporary and long-term housing in Chicago.
Chicago Coalition for The Homeless (CCH)
With the belief that housing is a human right in a just society, the CCH advocates for homeless students, unaccompanied youth, and mothers with children, among others in the city. The organization works in community organizing, advocacy and public policy, and The Law Project, which offers no-charge legal aid services.
College Wellness Centers
Colleges and universities in Chicago, and all over the world, offer students help and resources at their wellness centers. Many wellness offices offer walk-ins and appointments from public housing to mental health conversations.
Homeless Shelters Supported by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS)
DFSS manages funding and coordination of shelter placement. According to Chicago’s government website, transportation and the placement of individuals and families in open shelter beds across the city are included.
Connections For the Homeless (Hilda’s Place)
Hilda’s Place offers showers, case management, bag lunches, laundry, lockers, food pantries, computer and phone access, and haircuts to homeless individuals.
Heartland Alliance’s Neon Youth (Long Term)
Heartland Alliance’s Neon Youth places 18–24-year-old participants into scattered-site apartments with independent landlords in the City of Chicago. The Neon Youth program pays landlords rent, and participants are eligible for a rental subsidy for 24 months.
The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program (Long-Term)
The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program aims to give immediate shelter services to homeless people or those who are at risk. The shelters range from overnight (12 hours), transitional (2 years with food and supportive services), and vouchers provided by hotels through a voucher program when shelters are full or not available.
The city of Chicago also released its plan to fight homelessness. As a student, do not be embarrassed to ask for help. These resources are here to provide you with a safe environment, food, and more. Use these programs for as long as you need to get on your feet.
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Blavity U Ambassador Lashaunta Moore is a Graduate student at Columbia College Chicago, studying entrepreneurship for creatives. With a bachelor's degree in media communication, she's also a freelance journalist and digital content producer who enjoys writing about all forms of news.
