Skip to main content

Acero Schools

COVID-19/Coronavirus Updates and Resources

Acero Schools COVID-19 Updates
 
Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most up-to-date information regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19.
 
At-Home Learning
Food Resources
 
Free meals are available in your community today. CLICK HERE to learn more about the meal pickup locations provided by Acero Schools, CPS and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, as well as meal deliveries. (Immigration status does not impact program eligibility)
 
Apply to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if your family is without an income or with a limited income. Apply here or learn whether you are eligible: SNAP Program Website  
 
 
Economic Support
 
Unemployment Benefits
 
Federal Government Cash Assistance – Stimulus Check
  • The federal government is sending direct cash assistance to eligible Americans of up to $1,200 for individuals, up to $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 per child under 17 years old.
  • Click here to use the Stimulus Check Calculator to determine the amount you expected to receive. 
  • To learn more about whether you and your family are eligible to receive a federal stimulus cash check, please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.
    • Note: You must file a tax return for either Tax Year 2018 or 2019 in order to receive a check.
 
State Cash Assistance – Low-Income Families
 
Rent & Utility Assistance
  • City of Chicago:
    • Call 311 for financial assistance paying rent or utilities
    • Immigration status does not impact program eligibility
  • Catholic Charities:
    • Apply online for rent assistance: Rent Assistance Application
    • Call 312-744-5000 for financial assistance paying rent or utilities
    • Immigration status does not impact program eligibility
 
Undocumented People
  • Information from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
 
 
Important: Please check out this graphic about public charge and COVID 19. If you have additional questions please visit icirr.org/publiccharge or call the Immigrant Family Resource Program at 855-437-7669.
 
Importante: Consulte este gráfico sobre la carga pública y COVID 19. Si tiene preguntas adicionales, visite icirr.org/cargapublica o llame al Programa de Recursos para Familias Inmigrantes al 855-437-7669.
 
 
Child Care for Essential Workers
 
Federal Student Loans
  • Student loan interest is suspended until September 30, 2020
  • Wage garnishment and debt collection are suspended until September 30, 2020
  • Student loan payments can be suspended until September 30, 2020 if you make a request with your loan servicer
  • See the U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 response FAQ for more information
 
Small Business Loans
  • After submitting documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on more than 3,000 businesses across the state, Gov. Pritzker announced that the 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. Click here to apply for a loan.
  • The City of Chicago has launched the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund, a $100 million fund to provide low-interest grants to thousands of local small businesses suffering due to COVID-19. The grant program is now open for applications and is providing grants on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit the Chicago Resiliency Fund webpage to start your application and for more information about loan terms, business requirements, application information requirements and required attestations. The Resiliency Fund has a team of trusted experts at your service to guide you through the application, underwriting and closing phases of your loan. Questions can be submitted in English and Spanish. Immigration status does not impact program eligibility.
 
Financial Assistance from Community Groups
  • The Erie Neighborhood House Community Relief Fund is providing support for needy families, particularly those with undocumented individuals, who participate in the organization's programs. If you participate in an Erie House program and are in need, reach out to your program contact to inquire. Click here to learn more.
  • Immigration status does not impact program eligibility.
 
Health Resources
 
Healthcare
  • If you are out of work or meet the income threshold, you may apply for healthcare coverage with Medicaid: Apply for Medicaid
 
COVID-19 Chicago Testing Sites
  • Please visit the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 Testing Site Webpage to identify the nearest COVID-19 testing site including both sites run by the City of Chicago and a map of additional testing locations across the city.
  • COVID-19 Testing Sites Near Acero Schools:
Brighton Park
Esperanza Brighton Park - 4700 S. California Ave. - 773-584-6200
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 
Pilsen/Little Village
Esperanza California - 2001 S. California Ave. - 773-584-6200
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please call for weekend hours.

Howard Brown Health at Project VIDA - 2659 S. Kedvale Ave. - 773-388-1600
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
 
Rogers Park
Howard Brown Health Clark - 6500 N. Clark St. - 773-388-1600
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
 
Humboldt Park
Norwegian American Hospital - 1044 North Francisco Ave. - 773-292-8363
Tuesday - Saturday: 3 - 5 p.m.
 

Near Avondale
Physicians Immediate Care - North Center - 3909 N. Western Avenue - 312-767-0400
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 
Mental Health
  • Illinois Department Of Human Services - SASS
    • SASS (Screening, Assessment, and Support Services) for Children and Families is an Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) crisis mental health service program. The program serves children up to age 20 who are on Medicaid or uninsured who need emergency mental health services. To access SASS you may contact the CARES Line at 1-800-345-9049. For TTY you may call 1-773-523-4504. To learn more, visit the IDHS website.
    • You should call the CARES Line when a child is having a mental health crisis or is at risk to themself or others. If a child has mental health problems, but is NOT a risk to self or others and is not experiencing a crisis, contact your local community mental health services provider on the IDHS website or call the IDHS Child and Adolescent Client Assistance Line at: 312-793-1361 (available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays).
    • Undocumented individuals and families are eligible for this service.
  • For families with commercial health insurance, you may call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if your child is experiencing a mental health crisis.
 
Technology Access
 
Free Internet Access
  • XFinity is offering free access to all "xfinity" public wifi networks. To find an Xfinity wifi hotspot near you or for more information about how to access, click here to visit the XFinity website.
Acero Schools Latest COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions/Preguntas y Repuestas
Employee Resources
How to Protect Yourself