COVID-19/Coronavirus Updates and Resources

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most up-to-date information regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website Link

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 or learn whether you are eligible at the following link: SNAP Program Website Link

Chicago Resiliency Fund

The Chicago Resiliency Fund is accepting applications by phone now! The Chicago Resiliency Fund is a cash assistance program created to support Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19. The fund will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicago residents, which includes undocumented individuals, mixed-status families, dependent adults, and returning residents.
Please click the link below for more information on eligibility requirements and a list of organizations that are accepting applications. You may only apply once per household. Click here to learn more about the Chicago Resiliency Fund.

Unemployment Benefits

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) Website Link
You may also call IDES at 1-800-244-5631. (También puede llamar al 1-800-244-5631. El soporte está disponible en español.)

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to needy families who meet certain income criteria. Click here to visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website and learn more.

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: Click here for the 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:

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC CHARGE
Testing or treatment for COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, would NOT be used against immigrants in a public charge test. This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time.
If you have symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) you should seek care, make sure to call a healthcare provider first. You do NOT need to share any information about your immigration status.
In Illinois there are resources available at a free or low cost please click here to visit bit.ly/statewide-clinics
ICE Sensitive Locations Memo discourages immigration agents from conducting arrests or other enforcement actions at health care facilities. such as hospitals, doctors' offices, health clinics, and urgent care facilities.
For more public charge information, click here to visit icirr.org/publiccharge
Immigrant Family Resource Hotline: 855-437-7669

COVID-19 Y CARCA PUBLICA
Las pruebas o el tratamiento para COVID-19 (Coronavirus) NO contarán hacia la carga publica para inmigrantes. Esto significa que las familias inmigrantes deben buscar la atención que necesitan durante este momento dificíl.
Si tiene sintomas (fiebre. tos. dificultad para respirar), debe buscar atención, asegúrese de llamar primero a un proveedor de atención médica. NO necesita compartir ninguna información sobre su estatus migratorio.
En el estado de Illinois hay recursos disponibles de forma gratuita o a bajo costo por favor visite bit.ly/statewide-clinics.
Los hospitales y los espacios de atención médica son seguros para visitar. El memorando de ICE desanima a los agentes de inmigración a realizar arrestos u otras acciones de cumplimiento en los centros de atención médica, como hospitales, consultorios médicos, clinicas de salud y centros de atención de urgencia.
Para carga publica visite: icirr.org/cargapublica
Recursos para FamUias Inmigrantes: 855-437-7669

ICIIR English Graphic Containing the above information as listed previously with white writing on a purple background

ICIIR Spanish Graphic Containing the above information as listed previously with white writing on a purple background

Child Care for Essential Workers

Click here to visit the Illinois Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development website or call 1-888-228-1146 to learn more about emergency 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
Click here to 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. Click here to access the grant application.
Click here to visit the Chicago Resiliency Fund webpage, 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.
Click here to submit a question in English
Click here to submit a question in 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.

Healthcare

If you are out of work or meet the income threshold, you may apply for healthcare coverage with Medicaid: Click here to 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.

Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy - 2850 W 24th Blvd.
Click here to register for testing at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy

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 Galewood
Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy - 2231 N Central Ave.
Click here to register for testing at Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy

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. Click here to access the SASS webpage. 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, click here to 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. Click here to find a health services provider on the IDHS website. You may also 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.

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.