Community members have access to many organizations available to provide assistance in times of need. The Library has compiled a list of community resources below. Click the link for additional information about the organization and services available.
AT&T Internet Access
AT&T offers low-cost Internet service for eligible households based on income.
BEDS Plus
BEDS Plus helps vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services.
Services include:
To donate:
Chicago Furniture Bank
4801 S. Whipple Street, Chicago, IL 60632 | 312-752-0211
The Chicago Furniture Bank is a nonprofit organization that serves as an intermediary between Chicagoans who have extra furniture and those who need it. They provide furnishing packages to those in need, including beds, couches, armchairs, dressers, desks, tables, rugs, lamps, artwork, and more. Learn more about donating furniture on the Chicago Furniture Bank website. You can also find out more information about donating by emailing donate@chicagofurniturebank.org.
Those in need of furniture must become a client of one of the nonprofit partners of the Chicago Furniture Bank.
Elsie’s Pantry
Elsie’s Pantry is a joint ministry of Savior Divine Lutheran Church and Living Faith Community Church. The food pantry is open on Thursdays from 2-4pm. This service is open to residents of Palos Hills, Palos Park, Palos Heights, Hickory Hills, Willow Springs, Justice, and Bridgeview, based on monthly income. There is a limit of two visits per month. To donate, please put items in the pantry drop-off box located near the church.
Location: 10040 S. 88th Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Other services may be available. Please call 708-598-4435 for more information.
Family & Community Services
The Division of Family & Community Services (FCS) helps Illinois residents by connecting them with many programs and services. This Division improves the health and well-being of individuals and promotes self-sufficiency and integrity of families in Illinois.
To access services, use the DHS Office Locator to find your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) or other programs and services in your area.
Findhelp.org
Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs. Users can search by zip code and filter results by need.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with:
LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices.
Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to strengthen families and help them realize their full potential. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, Metropolitan empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, and to thrive through services provided in four key areas. Programs range from early learning, afterschool, and job readiness to counseling, mental health services, and legal assistance.
Southwest Center: 10537 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, IL 60465 | 708-974-2300
To donate:
Please consider hosting a drive with your friends, colleagues, local community members, civic, corporate, or church groups. Many items are needed on an on-going basis depending on the type of services. For more information on donating, visit the Metropolitan Family Services website.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained, and able to provide guidance.
To contact the NAMI HelpLine, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, or send an email to helpline@nami.org.
Pilgrim Faith Food Pantry
The pantry is a volunteer effort supported by donations from individuals, churches and community groups. This food pantry is open to everyone. Regular Pantry Days are Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Families may visit the food pantry once a month for bags of food but may come every week for bread, fresh produce, and miscellaneous items on the shelves. Please note that registration is required and that you are limited to one visit per week.
Location: 9411 S. 51st Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
To donate:
Pillars Community Health
Offers health and social services, sometimes free but otherwise offered on a sliding scale. There are various locations in the surrounding area. Call 708-PILLARS (745-5277) for more information.
Services offered:
Pathlights
Programs and services from Pathlights, formerly known as PLOWS Council on Aging, help people 60 years and over and adults with disabilities living at home. They offer integrated solutions to help individuals maintain their health, dignity and self-worth in the community, ensuring independence in their homes for as long as possible. Pathlights is open for appointments Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. Call 708-361-0219 for more information.
Location: 7808 West College Drive, 5th Floor | Palos Heights, IL 60463
Services include:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.
Services include: