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Resources for Chicago residents impacted by COVID 19

Person sitting alone outdoors

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)