COVID-19 Resources for Working People and Families
The COVID-19 virus has brought into stark relief how dependent we all are on one another for safety and security. At Women Employed, we have taken measures to keep our staff, partners, and the community safe while ensuring that we can stay the course, advocating fiercely and effectively for low-paid workers during this time of increased vulnerability.
We have compiled these resources to help keep you safe, and to help those who are differentially impacted to access support and resources needed to get through this crisis. We will update this list as new information becomes available.
We have also created a separate list of resources available to adult students. To view that information, click here.
This resource list is organized in these categories:
- Searchable Database of Verified Resources
- Direct Financial Assistance
- Food + Nutrition Assistance
- Unemployment + Stimulus Assistance
- Housing
- Domestic + Sexual Violence Resources
- Community-Specific Resources
- Resources for Parents of School-aged Children
- COVID-19 Public Health Information
Chicago Searchable Database of Resources
Created by the City Bureau, use this intuitive database of verified resources to search by resource need, community need, language, and location
Direct Financial Assistance
- Relief Funds by Occupation
- Funds For Tipped Workers
Application for cash assistance for tipped workers through One Fair Wage - Healthcare Workers Assistance Program
Application for childcare, pet care, and grocery delivery for healthcare workers in the Greater Chicago area, organized through CCOM - Grants for Artists and Art Organization
Grant programs available to artists and art organizations in Chicago organized by Victory Gardens - Worker Relief Funds by Occupation
Page 8 of this national resource guide by the Good Jobs Institute lists relief funds organized by occupation
- Funds For Tipped Workers
- Financial Assistance for Utilities: AT&T, Ameren, Charter, Comcast, ComEd
We are monitoring other grants that have run out of funds or are otherwise no longer accepting applications. Resources will be added back to the list as they accept new applications.
Food + Nutrition Assistance
- Food Bank Locators
- How to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
FAQ about how to apply for SNAP and what the process looks like - SNAP Eligibility Calculator
Enter your household information and income to determine your eligibility for SNAP, for Illinois residents - Free Meal Delivery for Chicago Public Schools Students
- LGBTQ Crisis Pantry
Priority given to queer and trans POC who are disabled, immunocompromised, and or elderly in the Chicago area, provided through Brave Space Alliance
Unemployment + Stimulus Assistance
- Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
Link to check the status of your stimulus check and reasons why payment may be delayed through this IRS webpage
- Unemployment Insurance Information
From the Illinois Department of Employment Security Website, this page has information about how to file a claim for Unemployment insurance
- Unemployment Info for DACA recipients
Guide for filing for Unemployment Insurance for DACA Recipients in Illinois
- U.S. Department of Labor
Information about workplace safety, unemployment insurance, as well as information for federal workers, mine operators, and needs of the agricultural sector
Housing
- HUD COVID-19 Information and Resources
Informational pages and resource pages for homeowners, renters, and people who are homeless through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Mortgage Relief Options
Guide on finding financial relief from your mortgage
Domestic + Sexual Violence Resources
- Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline – 877-863-6338 (877-TO END DV)
The Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to emergency housing and support services to victims of domestic violence. - National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline – 888-293-2080
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence National Resource Hub
Information for workers and employers on supporting workers experiencing domestic & sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic - Women Shelters Locater
Community-Specific Resources
- Disability Community Resources from Access Living
- LGBTQ COVID-19 Resource Center by Brave Space Alliance
- Immigrant and Refugee Resource Guide by Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
- Health Aid Packages for Chicago Senior Residents from My Block My Hood My City
Delivery of “Viral Packages” of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and Emergen-C; snow shoveling services; and wellness calls to senior citizens
Resources for Parents of School-aged Children
- Chicago Teacher’s Union Resource list
An easy to navigate resource list with additional education and E-Learning tools - Online Learning Websites for Kids
- Online Resources for Students
Online educational resource finder, filter by school year and subject - Chicago Public Schools
Check for updates on how COVID-19 is impacting the school year
COVID-19 Public Health Information
- CDC COVID-19 Information to check your symptoms and learn how to care for someone who has COVID-19 through Centers for Disease Control
- Illinois Department of Public Health provides answers to public health related questions concerning the virus, such as where to locate a testing center
- Chicago Department of Public Health connects you to public health information and resources in Chicago
- Cook County Department of Public Health provides resources and information on how Cook County is responding to the crisis
- Women Employed’s Know Your Rights Toolkit and COVID-19 Leave Benefits Chart provide detailed information to help working people navigate paid leave options in case you or a loved one gets sick.