Get Connected to the Support You Need
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Affinity Community Services
2850 S. Wabash Ave #108, Chicago, IL 60616
773.324.0377
www.affinity96.org
Mission: Affinity is a social justice organization serving the needs of the Black LGBTQ+ community with a particular focus on Black women.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
200 W. Monroe, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60606
312.922.2322
www.aidschicago.org
Mission: AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions.
Alzheimer’s Association
24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
www.alz.org
Mission: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia- by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) Chicago
P.O. Box 29317, Chicago, IL 60629
President: Heather Yang: president@averchicago.org
https://www.averchicago.org/
Mission: AVER is a non-profit, non-partisan, chapter-based Veterans Service Organization of active, reserve, and veteran service members dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, especially the LGBTQ current and prior military personnel who have been historically disenfranchised by armed forces policy and discriminatory laws governing military service and benefits.
Brave Space Alliance
1515 E 52nd PL, Chicago, IL 60615
872.333.5199
www.bravespacealliance.org
Mission: Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city.
Center for Disability and Elder Law
Proud to Thrive for LGBT Elders program
https://www.cdelaw.org/proud-to-thrive-for-lgbt-elders
Center on Halsted/Addison
3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613
773.472.6469
www.centeronhalsted.org/senior
Mission: Center on Halsted advances community and secures the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicago.
Chicago Primetimers
P.O. Box 146681, Chicago, IL 60614
773.884.1005
www.primetimersww.com/chicago/
Mission: to provide mature gay/bisexual men with opportunities to come together in a supportive atmosphere to enjoy social, educational, and recreational activities.
Ladder Up
https://www.goladderup.org/
312.588-6900 or schedule an appointment online here: https://ladderupfreetaxappointments.as.me/schedule.php
Mission: Ladder Up provides hardworking people with the financial resources and opportunities they need to move up the economic ladder. Ladder Up provides free financial programs to help clients secure the tax refunds they deserve, gain the knowledge to navigate today’s complex financial systems, and obtain financial aid to make college dreams a reality.
Northside Community Resources Senior Services
Contact: Violeta Espinoza
773.338.7722, ext. 21
violet@northsidecr.org
https://www.northsidecommunityresources.org/programs/small-accessibility-repairs-for-seniors/
Mission: To provide intensive case advocacy and support to at-risk, isolated seniors with the aim of improving their home environments, physical and emotional health, and general well-being.
The Small Accessibility Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program assists senior homeowners and renters age 60-plus with vital safety modifications and repairs. SARFS can install safety features like ramps, hand rails and grab bars, while making crucial repairs to flooring, walls, doors, stairways and additional areas of the home. SARFS helps seniors stay in their homes longer by installing special features and by making needed repairs. For instance, over half of adults age 70-plus take serious falls in their homes, but many of those falls can be avoided through preventive measures taken through SARFS. Residents may live in single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums or even apartments to qualify for SARFS. Specific eligibility requirements apply with regard to income, personal assets, ownership and property configuration. Licensed and bonded contractors and workers supervise and perform all work. Currently, the NCR SARFS program serves Chicago wards 39, 40, 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50. The SARFS program is funded by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development through the US Department of Housing’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant.
The Care Plan
877.6WE.PLAN
jacqueline@the-care-plan.com
Mission: to help you successfully navigate health and aging challenges using a dedicated client-directed approach.
HOUSING
Chicago Coordinated Entry System
312.361.1707 (Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
311 (if you are in need of access to shelter): call to request transportation to a shelter
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/emerg/svcs/system-planning-and-coordination.html
Mission: To ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to the service system, no matter where or when they present for services.
Chicago Housing Authority
www.thecha.org
Services Provided: The Chicago Housing Authority has over 40 low-income senior buildings throughout Chicago.
Heartland Alliance Housing
312.660.1300
https://www.heartlandalliance.org/heartland-housing/
Heartland Housing develops and manages sustainable, innovative, and high-quality affordable housing.
H.O.M.E.- Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly
773.921.3200
www.homeseniors.org
Mission: H.O.M.E. is committed to improving the quality of life for Chicago’s low-income elderly. Our unique set of programs help seniors remain independent and part of their community by offering opportunities for intergenerational living in addition to a variety of citywide supportive services.
LGBT Age-Friendly Housing Resources Across the Country
www.sageuse.org/lgbthousingresources
Services Provided: SAGE’s housing directory contains information about LGBT friendly senior housing through the country with an interactive map.
Metropolitan Tenants Organization
773.292.4988 (Monday through Friday 1:00 – 5:00p.m.
Request assistance online using their web-app: https://www.squaredawaychicago.com/
Mission: The mission of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization is to educate, organize and empower tenants to have a voice in the decisions that affect the affordability and availability of safe, decent and accessible housing.
CITY, COUNTY, AND STATE SERVICES
AgeOptions
1048 Lake Street, Suite 300, Oak Park, IL 60301
708.383.0258
www.ageoptions.org
Mission: AgeOptions innovates, partners, and advocates to improve systems and services in order to strengthen communities so people thrive as they age. AgeOptions serves older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in suburban Cook County.
City of Chicago Senior Services
Chicago Senior Services Hotline: 312.744.4016 (Monday through Friday, 9a.m. – 5 p.m.
Email: aging@cityofchicago.org
www.facebook.com/ChiSeniorServices
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/senior.html
Services Provided: A variety of support services are available citywide to address the diverse needs and interests of older adults, from those who are active and healthy, to those residing in long-term care facilities and seniors who are fragile and may be confined to home.
Illinois Department on Aging
Senior Helpline: 800.252.8966
Adult Protective Services Hotline (to report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an older person): 866.800.1409
https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/Pages/default.aspx
Mission: to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. Services include the Community Care Program (home services), Adult Protective Services, Home Delivered Meals, and related programs and services.
Regional Transportation Authority
RTA Transit Benefit Fare Program: 888.782.1008
Ride Free and Reduced Fare Program: 312.913.3110
https://www.rtachicago.org/rider-resources
Services provided: Programs to assist riders with disabilities and older adults in obtaining transportation resources including PACE Paratransit, Reduced Fare Permits, and Ride Free Permits.
NATIONAL SERVICES
AARP
www.aarp.org
Mission: to empower people to choose how they live as they age.
AARP Illinois: https://states.aarp.org/illinois/
AARP Chicago: https://local.aarp.org/chicago-il/
Eldercare Locator
800.677.1116 (Monday through Friday 8a.m. – 7p.m.
www.eldercare.gov
Mission: Connect older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
SAGE
www.sageusa.org
Mission: “We’re a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT elders since 1978. We build welcoming communities and keep our issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all LGBT people.”
HOTLINES AND SUPPORT LINES
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline
1.800.272.3900
Chicago and Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline
800.603.4357
Crisis Textline 24/7
Text NAMI to 741.741
NAMI Chicago Helpline
833.626.4244
Mission: Connects individuals, families, and providers with the right resources for mental health support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800.273.8255
SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline
877.360.5428
https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline/
Mission: Connect LGBT older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.