Dear friends,
Thank you for visiting my legislative website. I am honored to serve members of the 20th district and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you during the 104th General Assembly.
Your opinions are always appreciated, and I urge you to contact my Chicago office (773-278-2020) or Springfield office (217-782-8191) if you have any questions or concerns.
To learn more about current legislative issues, please visit the General Assembly website at www.ilga.gov or the Senate Democratic Caucus website at www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com.
Senator Graciela Guzmán
She/Her/Ella
20th District
Insurance to cover medically necessary laser hair removal under Guzmán measure taking effect Jan. 1
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
SPRINGFIELD — As of Jan. 1, people requiring laser hair removal due to a medical condition will soon be able to get this procedure covered by their insurance plans due to a legislative measure led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Lilian Jiménez.
“Everyone deserves to receive health care for medical conditions they are experiencing,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “For too long, people requiring laser hair removal for their health conditions were unable to receive this essential care. I am thrilled that with this new law, thousands of Illinoisans will be able to access the treatment they need to have the best quality of life possible.”
To give more people the ability to seek medically necessary care, House Bill 3248 requires all state employee health plans and private insurance plans to cover medically necessary laser hair removal if the procedure is a prescribed medical treatment in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical care. People diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by blocked hair follicles, severe hormonal disorders that may lead to excess hair growth, and gender dysphoria will now be able to pursue this treatment plan at a lower personal cost and improve their quality of life.
District Resources - Winter 2026
- Details
- Category: Resources
FOOD RESOURCES
Illinois offers a variety of programs to help individuals and families access nutritious food.
Food Pantries and Kitchens
Community organizations and food banks operate across the state. You can locate a nearby pantry using resources like Feeding Illinois.
SNAP Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly funds to help eligible individuals buy groceries.
- To apply: Visit ABE.Illinois.gov
- For assistance applying: chicagosfoodbank.org/get-help/benefits-outreach/snap-referral
Food Pantries around the 20th District
Albany Park
Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement – Food Distribution Center
- 4850 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- 773-383-0276
- Open Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
New Life Community Church - Albany Park
- 4540 N Hamlin Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- 708-493-3676
- Open first Tuesday of the month 4 - 6 p.m.
- 3542 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- 773-588-4040
- Open second and fourth Wednesday of the month 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- 3253 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- 773-478-7941
- Open Wednesdays 8 - 10 a.m.
Austin
Heritage International Community Development Corp.
- 5320 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-237-9600
- Open Thursdays 6 - 8 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (GCFD)
- 1511 N Long Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
- 773-637-4800
- Open Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Avondale
- 2649 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-252-3210
- Open Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Belmont Cragin
- 5433 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-622-3215
- Open Tuesdays 2 - 6 p.m., Thursdays 1-6 p.m.
- 5016 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-237-1645
- Open Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- 1856 N Leclaire Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- 872-282-2252
- Pantry open Tuesdays 2-6 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Older adult community boxes available first and third Wednesdays of the month 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Garfield Park
Breakthrough Urban Ministries Inc. (GCFD)
- 3334 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
- 773-722-1144
- Open Tuesdays 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m - 2 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Greater Holy Temple COGIC (GCFD)
- 246 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
- 773-722-9430
- Open Fridays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Gladstone Park
New Hope Community Food Pantry (GCFD)
- 6125 W Foster, Chicago, IL 60630
- 773-775-1215
- Open Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
- The organization requests that you visit on the Tuesday of the month in accordance with the first letter of your last name with this system:
- If your last name starts with A, B, C, D, E, or F, come on the first Tuesday of the month.
- If your last name starts with G, H, I, J, K, or L, come on the second Tuesday of the month.
- If your last name starts with M, N, O, P, Q, or R, come on the third Tuesday of the month.
- If your last name starts with S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, or Z, come on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
- They also require ID or document with your name and address.
- The organization requests that you visit on the Tuesday of the month in accordance with the first letter of your last name with this system:
Hermosa
- 2100 N Kildare Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-647-0000
- Hot meal program open Tuesdays 1 - 3 p.m., Wednesdays 5 - 7 p.m.
- Pantry and grocery distribution Mondays 4-6 p.m., Wednesdays 1-3 p.m.
- 1815 N Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-394-2860
- Open Thursdays 4-6 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Humboldt Park
- 2827 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
- 773-342-5868
- Open Thursdays 2-4 p.m.
- 2704 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-799-9023
- Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- 2442 W Moffat St. Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-772-4161
- Open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- 3533 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-276-4900
- Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and online market pickup open the third Thursday of the month from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- 825 N Christiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
- 312-667-2380
- Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 1-3 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Mission of Our Lady of the Angels (GCFD)
- 3814 West Iowa Street, Chicago, IL 60651
- 773-486-8431
- Open first Saturday of the month 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Irving Park
Irving Park Community Food Pantry
- 4256 N Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
- 773-283-6296
- Open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., and the second Tuesday of every month 6 - 7 p.m.
- 3710 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
- 773-564 -9070
- Open Fridays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or while supplies last
Lincoln Park
St Teresa of Avila Parish (GCFD)
- 1950 N Kenmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- 773-528-6650
- Hot meal program Fridays 4-6 p.m.
- Food pantry open Saturdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Logan Square
- 2915 W Palmer St, Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-235-3646
- Open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- 2505 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-499-9763
- Older adult commodity boxes available Fridays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Food pantry open Mondays 4-6 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
North Center
- 3908 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
- 773-327-0553
- Open Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; Thursdays 1-4 p.m.
Old Irving Park
- 3834 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
- 773-282-8206
- Open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Irving Park Corps Community Center
- 5020 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
- 773-794-6207
- Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ravenswood
- 5151 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
- 773-525-1777
- Open Thursdays 2-7 p.m. - Registration required!
Uptown
Sheridan Market (Nourishing Hope)
- 3945 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613
- 773-525-1777
- Open Thursdays 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Registration required!
West Humboldt Park
St Francis of Assisi Parish (GCFD)
- 932 N Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
- 312-810-0844
- Open Wednesdays and Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m.
West Town
- 1716 W. Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
- 773-525-1777
- Drive-thru pantry open Fridays 1 - 4 p.m., Saturdays 12 - 3 p.m. Registration required!
Northwestern University Settlement Association
- 1400 W Augusta Blvd, Chicago, IL 60622
- 773-278-7471
- Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- 1351 W Evergreen Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
- 773-545-8300
- Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Wicker Park
- 1510 N Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
- 773- 278-4808
- Open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
RESOURCES FOR OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY
WELCOMING CENTERS
What is a Welcoming Center?
The Illinois Welcoming Centers (IWC) are a network of 34 full-service locations across the state, offering free, comprehensive support services to all immigrants and refugees in Illinois—regardless of immigration status.
What to Expect:
- Personalized case management and support in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
- Assistance accessing benefits and services from state, federal, and local social service agencies.
- Development of Community Alliances to improve service coordination and strengthen local support networks.
- Community education workshops to empower and inform immigrant and refugee communities.
A list of welcoming centers can be found here: IDHS: Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC)
Welcoming Centers around the 20th District
- 1701 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60622
- 312-563-5800
- Open Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Centro San Bonifacio Welcome Bienvenidos
- 2959 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60641
- 773-453-5327
- Open Monday - Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 4300 N. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
- 773-583-5501
- Open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 5715 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
- 773-433-1200
- Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 2732 N Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-433-1200
- Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 3249 N. Central Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
- 773-371-3700
- Open Monday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- 5413 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-622-3215
- Open Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Rincon Family Services Administrative Office
- 3710 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60618.
- 773-564 -9070
- 773-754-89 89
- Open Monday - Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Rincon Family Services Resource Center
- 5457 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL 60641
- 888-215-0513
- 773-417-3293
- Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Hours may vary - call beforehand)
Rincon Family Services Hilda Frontany Center
- 5453 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL 60641
- (888) 215-0513
- (773)417-3293
- Open Monday - Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- 4878 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
- 773-276-0940
- Open Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Assistance for detained loved ones
If your loved one has been detained by ICE, The Resurrection Project offers a form to collect key details about the detention. This form serves as documentation and helps the organization respond effectively. Once submitted, they typically provide resources and support within 1–2 business days.
Illinois Access to Justice Network
This network provides high-quality legal services in communities across Illinois. Services include help with:
- Immigration matters
- Criminal, civil, and administrative legal issues
Contact for Legal Help: 312-666-1323
Cook County Immigration assistance
The Immigration Division of the Cook County Public Defender's Office works to protect noncitizen clients from deportation. It assists public defenders in identifying potential immigration consequences of criminal cases and suggests alternative resolutions. Additionally, the division's attorneys represent noncitizens in proceedings before the Chicago Immigration Court.
Immigration Division | Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
Illinois Immigration assistance
A complete guide to help immigrant communities in Illinois understand their rights and connect with essential services.
IL IMMIGRATION INFO | Know Your Rights
ICIRR Family Support Hotline
Need Support? Call the Family Support Hotline for assistance:
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY
(1-855-435-7693)
Support available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Polish
Hotline Call Options Include:
• Reporting Trust Act violations
• Reporting ICE activity or getting help locating someone in ICE custody
• Connecting with an immigration attorney
• Assistance with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Accessing healthcare resources for immigrants and refugees
• Updates on public charge policies
• Support with workplace rights, issues, or safety for immigrants
Illinois Immigration Information Hub
illinoisimmigrationinfo.org
Rights Information: Offers “Know Your Rights” materials like wallet cards and flyers.
Legal Help: Provides hotline support and legal aid contacts for detained individuals.
Safety Prep: Includes guides on ICE preparedness, emergency plans, and fraud prevention.
Multilingual: Available in over 10 languages for broad accessibility.
Community-Backed: Created by Illinois immigrant rights groups and local government partners
HEALTH RESOURCES
Free & Charitable Clinics
Old Irving Park Community Clinic
- 5425 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60641
- 773-427-0298
- Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 2611 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
- 773-395-9900
- Open Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m.
- Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
FQHCs offer medical services on a sliding fee scale based on income, regardless of insurance status.
- Find a clinic: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
These clinics are available throughout Illinois and offer services including medical, dental, and behavioral health care.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 anytime.
• Available 24/7
• Free and confidential
• Support for individuals, loved ones, and caregivers
Guzmán, Guzzardi celebrate affordable housing law taking effect
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- Category: Press Releases
SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to legislation championed by State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Will Guzzardi, information about the lack of affordable housing options will soon be more easily accessible, promoting the development of more reasonably priced living options.
“Thousands of renters in my district, including myself, struggle with the rising cost of living. Despite our testimony about these difficulties, we need more transparent data to back up our conversation about the housing affordability crisis in our state,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Under this law, we will have the information we need to form real policy solutions that will help alleviate the housing crisis in areas with the most need for homes working families can afford.”
House Bill 3616 aims to illuminate the demand for affordable housing and the lack of housing inventory middle-income earners are facing. It requires IHDA to collect data on the inventory of affordable housing that is accessible to extremely low-income and middle-income households in each local government in Illinois. Every five years, IHDA is required to make this data available to the public and report the data to the General Assembly. From there, it can be used to influence policy to invest in more affordable housing options.
Read more: Guzmán, Guzzardi celebrate affordable housing law taking effect
Guzmán, Rashid expand dual language instruction for Illinois students
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- Category: Press Releases
SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to a measure led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, schools across the state will soon receive incentives to expand dual language programs in grade schools at no cost to their school districts.
“Expanding dual language programs in our state sets our young people up for a more successful future,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Research shows these programs not only improve their future prospects, they also foster more cross-cultural curiosity. Adopting programs like those outlined in HB 3026 helps ensure learners in Illinois also grow up to be well-rounded, understanding individuals of those that are different from them.”
House Bill 3026 implements several proposals put forth by the Illinois Advisory Council for Bilingual Education, including adopting statewide guidance for dual language instruction, developing a recruitment and retention platform to attract potential bilingual educators, and expanding the Seal of Biliteracy recognition pathways to enhance students’ future opportunities. In addition, the measure enhances equity by integrating dual language programming into the State Board of Education’s broader framework of student learning and directs the agency to develop teaching standards for dual language education.
Read more: Guzmán, Rashid expand dual language instruction for Illinois students
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