CHI 311
For many in our community, the CHI 311 app is more than just a way to report a pothole—it is a critical tool for helping our most vulnerable neighbors find safety and stability.
As part of the 9th District CAPS mission to support every resident, we want to highlight how this app serves as a direct link to homeless services and emergency support.
How CHI 311 Supports the Homeless Community
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Emergency Shelter Requests: If you or someone you know is in immediate need of a place to sleep, you can use the app to request a "Shelter Placement." This triggers a process with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) to find an available bed.
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Homeless Outreach: Residents can use the app to request a Homeless Outreach visit. This notifies specialized teams to check on individuals living outdoors, offering them food, medical attention, and a path toward permanent housing.
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Short-Term Financial Assistance: For those at risk of losing their home, the app provides information and request portals for Homelessness Prevention funds, which can help with emergency rent or utility payments.
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Well-Being Checks: You can request a city visit for any individual who appears to be in distress or vulnerable to extreme weather, ensuring they are connected to Chicago's network of Warming and Cooling Centers.
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Real-Time Tracking: Unlike a phone call that might feel like it "disappears," the app gives you a service request number. You can track the city's response to ensure your neighbor received the attention they needed.
Visit :https://311.chicago.gov/
SPARC
Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC):
Located at 2241 S. Halsted Street. This is a 24-hour intake shelter for adults. You can drop in directly or call 3-1-1 to check for bed availability.
A Safe Haven.
A Safe Haven:
Located at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL. They provide emergency and transitional housing for those in the West Chicago area
Website: https://www.asafehaven.org/
Pacific Garden Mission
Pacific Garden Mission
Located at 1458 S. Canal St Chicago, IL (60607), They are one of the largest and oldest shelters in the city, offering emergency overnight shelter for men and women, with intakes typically starting in the morning
Website: https://www.pgm.org/
LA Casa Norte (Young youth)
La Casa Norte (Beat 924)
La Casa Norte focuses specifically on unaccompanied youth (ages 16–24) and families with children, recognizing that these groups have unique safety and developmental needs.
Core Services in Back of the Yards
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Casa Corazón Youth Drop-In Center: Located at 1736 W. 47th St., this center provides a safe daytime space for youth (ages 16–24). It’s a place to get off the streets, grab a hot meal, use a computer for job searches, and access basic necessities like laundry and showers.
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Emergency Youth Shelter: They operate a 30-bed emergency shelter at the same location for youth (ages 18–24). Unlike large congregate shelters, this is designed to be a trauma-informed environment where young people get breakfast, dinner, and a stable place to sleep.
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Case Management & Advocacy: This isn't just about a bed for the night. Their team works one-on-one with youth to help them navigate the "coordinated entry" system for permanent housing, enroll in school, or find employment.
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Bilingual Support: As a trauma-informed, bilingual organization, they are uniquely equipped to support the diverse population of Back of the Yards, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving help.
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Health & Wellness Referrals: Through their partnerships, they connect residents to medical care, mental health services, and legal aid specifically tailored to the challenges faced by homeless youth.
Address: 1736 W 47th St
Hours: 24/7
Ages: 18-24
Eligibility: All genders
Phone: 773.276.4900, x 251 or 253
Capacity: 30 beds