September 2020-Help from Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities has received a tremendous increase in requests for assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know that there are even greater numbers of people in need of our help. In lieu of our traditional Voice of Catholic Charities column this month, we would like to use this space to provide a summary of our most-requested services along with contact information. Many of our services have been enhanced to better serve those most in need. All services are performed in accordance with CDC guidelines. Facial coverings and social distancing are required for any in-person services. Please share this information with anyone who may need the help of Catholic Charities.
Information & Referral: Catholic Charities’ Call Center helps callers with a wide variety of needs and connects them to programs within CC or other community agencies. 312-655-7700 in Cook County; (847) 782-4000 in Lake County. We can also be emailed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To-Go Meals: In place of our traditional Evening Supper Program that offers hot meals to anyone in need in communal settings, Catholic Charities is offering to-go meals at the following locations: St. Vincent Center 721 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, M-F 4:00pm; Catholic Charities North/Northwest Regional Services Office 1717 Rand Rd., Des Plaines, T&Th 4:00pm; St. Blase Parish 7438 W. 61st Pl., Summit, Wed. 4:00pm. Meals are available to anyone in need and no preregistration is required.
Meals for Seniors: Seniors are able to pick up to-go meals in multiple locations in Lake and McHenry Counties. Visit catholiccharities.net (COVID Services/Seniors) or call (847) 782-4170 for specific locations. Meals-to-go are also being provided at all of the City of Chicago and Suburban Cook County Senior Centers. Visit our website or call (312) 655-7470. Seniors may also qualify for home-delivered meals by calling their local Care Coordination Unit.
Food Pantries: Often in cooperation with neighborhood parishes, Catholic Charities operates nine food pantries and several newly created “pop-up” food pantries throughout the City of Chicago (Englewood, Back of the Yards, Near North, Uptown), suburban Cook County (Cicero, Des Plaines, Park Forest, Summit), and Lake County (Waukegan). Visit catholiccharities.net (COVID Services/Food Pantries) or call 312-655-7700 for addresses and service hours.
Counseling Support Hotline: Staffed by Masters-level clinicians,for anyone who needs one-time or immediate help coping with grief, stress, anxiety, or depression. Referral for on-going support available. 312-948-6951 M-F 8:30am-4:30pm; after hours, leave a message and a counselor will call back.
Counseling: We provide a wide range of professional counseling services to children, youth, families, and individuals experiencing grief, trauma, substance use disorder, domestic violence, and behavioral and emotional issues. Call (312) 655-7725, M-F 8:30-4:30. Callers will be assessed and directed to the most appropriate Catholic Charities program. Services are currently provided virtually or over the phone.
A Call to Prayer Line: Established in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago, this newly created hotline is staffed by more than 75 English-, Spanish- and Polish-speaking volunteers and provides the comfort and support of a listening ear to pray with. Open daily 9am-9pm, or prayer requests can be emailed. Call 312-741-3388 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Financial, Rent, or Utility Assistance: A limited amount of one-time emergency assistance is available to those who qualify. In Chicago dial 311; Suburban Cook (877) 426-6515; Lake County (847) 782-4000. Due to the high volume of calls, people are encouraged to first view the on-line questionnaire at catholiccharities.net to determine eligibility.
Non-Medical, Non-Emergency help: In the City of Chicago, people can call 311 and be connected with Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach Program that provides transportation to shelter for those experiencing homelessness, well-being checks for seniors, delivery of emergency food, and assistance for victims of disasters.
Volunteers and Donations:
Get Involved), or by calling (312) 655-7557; donations can be made at catholiccharities.net or by calling (312) 948-6087.