Emergency Resources
Internal Resources
Internal Food Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
UIC Pop Up Pantry
The mission of the Pop-Up Pantry is to exclusively serve registered UIC students who are experiencing food insecurity while attending the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Our mission is to support academic success and student development by supporting students who may be facing personal and/or financial hardship. It is especially important that during these college years, all students have access to a steady supply of nutritious food. Research shows that proper nutrition is critical for cognitive function and memory. This means that every meal is a bridge to academic success.
U&I Care Meals
The U&I Care Meals program offers a select number of meals per term to ALL undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in urgent need. The program is limited and intended only for those facing immediate need in an emergency but is not a long-term solution to food insecurity.
https://dos.uic.edu/student-assistance/ui-care/ui-care-meals/
United Faculty Emergency FAST Fund
The UIC Faculty Union offers an emergency fund to students in need. Please email your request to: email – uicuf.fastfund@gmail.com.
UIC Emergency/Short-term Housing
Emergency/Short-Term Housing is available for UIC students experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Students in crisis can access immediate, emergency housing in university-owned facilities for up to 7 days. To apply, please submit a Student Assistance Form to apply.
Interim Housing for Summer/Winter Break
Housing options are available during school breaks for those who cannot return home. Fill out an application with Campus Housing or refer to their website for more information: https://housing.uic.edu/
U&I Care Emergency Fund
The U and I Care Fund provides temporary, short-term financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship. This emergency funding program is designed to offer financial assistance to students in the form of one-time awards (typically not exceeding $500). Emergency funding is NOT intended to provide ongoing relief for recurring expenses. Decisions regarding disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis.
External Resources
Food and Housing Assistance
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal government program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income persons to help them maintain adequate nutrition and health.
Where to apply: Illinois Department of Human Services via IL ABE
WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
WIC is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
Where to apply: Services are provided in communities throughout the state.
Use the DHS Office Locator to find your local Women, Infants and Children office near you. Make an appointment and find out what papers or documents you need to bring with you. At your appointment, WIC staff will check to see if you and your family qualify. If you need assistance, contact the State WIC Office at (217) 782-2166.
Nourishing Hope
One of Chicago’s largest and longest-running food pantries. Offers personalized food choices, home delivery (for seniors/disabled), case management, mental health counseling, and help applying for SNAP, housing, and Medicaid. https://www.nourishinghopechi.org/
Greater Chicago Food Depository
The main food bank that works with over 700 partner agencies across Cook County. Offers programs like the ProduceMobile (fresh produce truck) and Mobile Pantry events. No eligibility requirements—just show up.
Find Food IL - Community Food Map
Use the Find Food IL map to find places in your community offering free food or meals. You can also find stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons. Plus, see the DHS or WIC office nearest to you. Enter your zip code or city to get started. The locations and hours of operation for the resources listed on this map are subject to change without advance notice. Please call ahead to verify the days and hours of operation.
For questions about the Find Food IL Map, it’s uses, and partnership opportunities please contact us at eatmovesave@illinois.edu. For questions about adding your organization to the map or regarding incorrect site information please contact Abby Christensen at abby@foodfinder.us.
Chicago Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
The 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.
Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
If you are in needed of emergency rental assistance and are currently in eviction court. The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and landlords across the state who have pending cases in eviction court. The program is only available to litigants in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $25,000 in emergency rental payments that can include up to 15 months of past-due rent and three months of future rent payments to prevent eviction.
211 Metro Chicago
Chicago and suburban Cook County residents can access 2-1-1 and get connected to critical health and social services. 2-1-1 is a free, local, 24/7/365 service that connects all Cook County residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.
All Chicago Emergency Financial Assistance
All Chicago emergency financial assistance program, called the Emergency Fund, provides critical financial assistance to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness or another serious emergency. We quickly provide payments on a person’s behalf for things like rent, utilities, or transportation.
Emergency & Transitional Housing Providers – Illinois DHS
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) oversees the Emergency & Transitional Housing Program, which offers short-term shelter options for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk. For the most up-to-date statewide directory of providers, visit the DHS provider listing page at Illinois DHS: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=98150.