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.
List of welcoming centers: IDHS: Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC)
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
HEALTH RESOURCES
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
IMMIGRATION RESOURCES
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: 📞📞 1-888-708-6-A2J
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
