Resources for Chicago residents impacted by COVID 19
Below find resources and virtual events and activities in Chicago. Please continue to reference the City of Chicago Department of Public Health website (Opens in a new tab) for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
Business Resources
ChiBizHub
has compiled a few resources to support Chicago’s small business community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at the ChiBizHub website (Opens in a new tab).
The Washington Park Chamber of Commerce
is also running an “Eat Local” campaign. You can find a list of Washington Park restaurants that are open for curbside, carry-out, or delivery on the Washington Park Chamber’s Facebook page (Opens in a new tab).
Mayor Lightfoot
Mayor Lightfoot recently announced a $100 million relief package for Chicago’s small businesses. More information can be found on the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund interest form (Opens in a new tab).
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce
also has a number of resources for businesses and are running an “Eat Local” campaign to support local restaurants. Learn more on the South Shore Chamber website (Opens in a new tab).
Illinois Retail Merchants Association
A number of South Side grocery stores adjusted their hours for vulnerable populations or are offering online delivery services. The list of stores can be found on the Illinois Retail Merchants Association’s website. (Opens in a new tab)
Virtual Events and Activities
The Honeycomb Project
has reimagined their programming and launched “Honeycomb at Home,” full of family-friendly activities you can do at home. You can sign up on the Honeycomb Project’s website (Opens in a new tab).
My Block, My Hood, My City
is looking for volunteers to call seniors for wellbeing checks while we are staying at home. They also will be hosting a Virtual Circle on Friday, April 3. To learn more or donate, check out the My Block My Hood My City website (Opens in a new tab).
The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club will be holding its annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser virtually this Sunday! Learn more about the Virtual Pancake Breakfast on the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club’s website (Opens in a new tab).
A Few Ways You Can Help Others
The Chicago Community Trust
in partnership with the City of Chicago and United Way of Metro Chicago, has launched the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund to support local non-profit health and human service organizations. Learn more about it on the Response Fund website. (Opens in a new tab)
I Grow Chicago
I Grow Chicago is serving community members in need in Englewood. You can support them by purchasing their care packages or donating directly. Learn more about it on I Grow Chicago’s website. (Opens in a new tab)
My Block My Hood My City
My Block My Hood My City is collecting and distributing packages of health supplies and food to Chicago senior citizens and people with disabilities. Volunteer or donate on the My Block My Hood My City website. (Opens in a new tab)
The Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is working with state and city officials to provide food for families affected by school closings. To learn more, check out the Greater Chicago Food Depository website. (Opens in a new tab)
Chicago Hospitality Employee Relief Guide
If you’re looking to support folks in the hospitality industry who are currently unable to work due to bar and restaurant closures, you can find links to Chicago-area employee funds in the Chicago Hospitality Employee Relief Guide. (Opens in a new tab)
Other Resources For Those In Need
Bright Star Community Outreach Trauma Helpline
For those experiencing anxiety, stress, and/or loneliness, the Bright Star Community Outreach Trauma Helpline (Opens in a new tab) is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm at 833-TURN123.
Headspace
The meditation app Headspace has also unlocked a free "Weathering the storm" collection in-app, a free selection of meditation, sleep and other experiences designed to support consumers around the world during the COVID-19 outbreak. Check it out at Headspace’s website. (Opens in a new tab)
The Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books
Looking for a good read? The Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books in Hyde Park are offering free shipping. Learn more at the Seminary Co-op website. (Opens in a new tab)
Brave Space Alliance
South Side-based LGBTQ non-profit Brave Space Alliance has new online and mutual aid programming to help queer and trans residents. If you are in need of food delivery, you can fill out Brave Space’s Mutual Aid COVID-19 Support Request. (Opens in a new tab)
South Shore’s Local Market Foods
at 2101 East 71st Street will open an hour early at 6am for seniors looking for a calmer shopping experience.
Obama Fellow Alex Smith
wrote about tackling loneliness while we are practicing social distancing. Read the article in the Huffington Post. (Opens in a new tab)