The United Way offers a toll-free helpline for you to find social services.
2-1-1 covers most of Illinois and it offers names and contact information for things like warming centers, rent assistance, and even job search. 2-1-1 is available from any landline or cell phone. Cathy Vaisvill (vase-vill) is the United Way 2-1-1 Community Partnerships Director and says 2-1-1 fulfills a great need:
The call is free and confidential, but representatives will ask for your zip code so they can direct you to services closest to you.