Coronavirus-Related Resources for Chicago’s Underserved Communities

Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to band together and support our city’s most vulnerable populations. Below, we have compiled a list of resources to support people and communities most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and ways you can get involved. If there are additional resources that we should be including, please directly email our Senior Associate of Communications, Anthony Santa Maria.

EDUCATION:

• Chicago Public Schools Direct Response includes educational materials as well as food distribution for CPS families.

• Sign-on to this letter by Student Debt Crisis, calling for a cancellation of student debt.

• NSPA has compiled these resources for students with disrupted educations, as well as other helpful information.

• NACAC is providing this online tool as a central resource for information about changes in college admission events, deposit dates, and more as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

• Stanford Online High School is hosting a series of webinars on how to effectively lead online classes.

• Learning resources for educators of middle grades.

• Parker Dewey is connecting students with part-time/short-term paid, professional opportunities.

PARENTS/FAMILIES

• Caring for young ones? Keep them entertained and engaged with these free resources

• 70 things to do with kids now that we are all stuck at home.

• Librarians host virtual story time.

• Take your kids to a virtual concert, play, or museum.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:

• Illinois has included COVID-19 related employment gaps in coverage for unemployment benefits.

ADVOCACY EFFORTS

• Tell your representative to increase access to resources for people with disabilities.

• Call on Mayor Lightfoot, Gov. Pritzker, & Cook County Circuit Court Chief Evans to freeze rent.

• The National Juvenile Justice Network has resources for vulnerable populations.

• Racial Equity and Social Justice Resources for activists.

DONATE TO THESE FUNDS:

• Chicago Service Relief for staff of local restaurants, bars, and clubs.

• Mutual Aid Efforts that include national and Chicago-specific volunteer and funding opportunities.

• Chicago Scholars Response Fund to directly support our Scholars’ transportation, housing, and technology needs.

• Here is a list of funds and other links to other relief efforts – spanning tech assistance, employment opportunities, and food access.

IMMIGRANT AND UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITIES:

• Immigrants Rising compiled resources to support undocumented communities.

TRANSITIONING TO VIRTUAL WORK AND EVENTS:

• How to change a physical event to a virtual event

• What it takes to run a great virtual meeting.

FUNDRAISING:

• Resources and updates for funders and organizations in need of additional funds.

DISABILITY COMMUNITY:

• Access living has put together these resources.

MENTAL HEALTH:

• 5 ways to help teens manage anxiety about coronavirus.

• Mental Health America has compiled resources for disease outbreaks.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Thrive Chicago has put together resources spanning education, food access, employment and housing assistance, and more.