Disclaimer

The organizations and resources listed on this page are independent agencies, nonprofits, and government entities and are not owned, operated, or controlled by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) unless otherwise stated. These resources are provided for informational and referral purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee, endorsement, or representation of services.

Each organization maintains its own eligibility requirements, intake procedures, funding limitations, and documentation standards. The VACCC is not responsible for service availability, acceptance decisions, wait times, housing placements, or the quality of services provided by outside agencies. Veterans and family members should contact each provider directly for the most current information regarding qualifications and program availability.

Organization	Organization Type	Phone Number	Website	Description
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans	Federal	877-424-3838	Home - VA Homeless Programs	24/7 homeless Veteran hotline and referrals
VA Chicago Homeless Programs	Federal	708.202.4961	Homeless Veteran Care | VA Chicago Health Care | Veterans Affairs	VA housing, shelter, and case management support
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)	State	800.843.6154	IDHS Housing Assistance	rental and utility assistance, guidance with eviction, foreclosure or homelessness
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)	State	800.437.9824	IDVA Housing Assistance	Veteran benefits and housing referrals
Housing Authority of Cook County	County	312.663.5447	Housing Assistance	Housing vouchers and affordable housing programs
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt	County	855.956.5763	Legal Aid – Housing Assistance	Housing and eviction legal assistance
Chicago Homeless Prevention & Shelter Line	County/Local Government	311 / 312.744.5000	Chicago Emergency Assistance	Emergency homeless prevention services
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)	Local Government	312.742.8500	Chicago Housing Assistance	Public housing and housing voucher programs
All Chicago	Non-Profit	312.971.4178	All Chicago – Referrals	Coordinated housing and homeless referrals
Volunteers of America (VOA)	Non-Profit	312.564.2300	VOA Housing Assistance	Rapid rehousing and Veteran rental assistance
A Safe Haven	Non-Profit	773.435.8300	Safe Haven Foundation	Shelter, housing, and workforce support
Catholic Charities of Chicago	Non-Profit	312.655.7700	CCAC – Housing Assistance	Emergency housing and supportive services

For more information on these individual programs and services, including basic documentation and qualification criteria, please continue reading below.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is a 24/7 national hotline operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that connects Veterans, former service members, and their families directly to homeless assistance resources. The program helps Veterans who are homeless, at risk of eviction, living in unsafe conditions, or struggling with emergency housing situations. Staff can connect callers to local VA homeless programs, emergency shelters, HUD-VASH housing vouchers, case management, mental health services, employment support, and emergency outreach teams. Family members, friends, social workers, and community providers can also call on behalf of a Veteran.

Basic Eligibility:

• Veteran or former service member at risk of homelessness or currently homeless
• Family members or advocates may also contact the line

Common Documentation Requested Later by Referrals:

• DD-214 or proof of service
• Photo ID
• Social Security card
• Income information
• Eviction notices or proof of homelessness (if applicable)

VA Chicago Health Care – Homeless Programs

VA Chicago operates several homeless assistance and housing stabilization programs for Veterans throughout the Chicago region. These programs include HUD-VASH housing vouchers, Grant and Per Diem transitional housing, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) referrals, case management, healthcare enrollment, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, employment support, and outreach services. VA Chicago also works closely with local shelters, nonprofits, and outreach teams to help Veterans move from homelessness into stable permanent housing.

Basic Eligibility:

• Eligible Veteran status
• Usually homeless, at risk of homelessness, or facing housing instability
• Some programs require VA healthcare enrollment

Common Documentation Requested:

• DD-214 or proof of military service
• State ID or driver's license
• Social Security card
• Proof of income or benefits
• Lease, eviction notice, or homelessness verification
• VA healthcare information (if enrolled)

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

IDHS provides statewide emergency and long-term support services for individuals and families experiencing housing instability, poverty, or homelessness. Programs may include emergency rental assistance referrals, emergency shelter coordination, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, cash assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence support, and homeless prevention programs. Veterans and their families may qualify for both Veteran-specific and civilian assistance programs through IDHS-supported providers.

Basic Eligibility:

• Illinois resident
• Financial hardship or housing instability
• Some programs are income-based

Common Documentation Requested:

• Photo ID
• Social Security cards for household members
• Proof of Illinois residency
• Income verification
• Lease or utility bills
• Eviction notices or homelessness documentation

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)

IDVA supports Illinois Veterans and their families through benefits assistance, housing referrals, employment support, healthcare coordination, and emergency assistance navigation. IDVA works closely with federal VA programs, county Veteran service offices, and community organizations to help Veterans access homelessness prevention services, temporary housing resources, mental health support, and benefits counseling. The department also oversees Illinois Veterans’ Homes and several outreach initiatives.

Basic Eligibility:

• Veteran status
• Illinois residency for most state programs

Common Documentation Requested:

• DD-214 or discharge paperwork
• Illinois ID
• Social Security card
• VA disability or benefits information (if applicable)
• Financial or housing documentation depending on program

Housing Authority of Cook County

The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) provides affordable housing programs for low-income residents throughout suburban Cook County, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), public housing assistance, and supportive housing programs. Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability may qualify for priority placement through certain programs, especially when referred through VA or partner agencies. HACC programs can help reduce rent burdens and provide long-term housing stability.

Basic Eligibility:

• Low-income household
• Residency or intent to reside within eligible Cook County areas
• Background and program screening requirements

Common Documentation Requested:

• Photo ID for adults
• Social Security cards for household members
• Proof of income
• Birth certificates
• Lease or homelessness documentation
• Veteran documentation if seeking Veteran preference programs

CARPLS Legal Aid – Housing & Debt Assistance

Cook County Legal Aid organizations such as CARPLS help Veterans and families facing eviction, debt collection, housing disputes, foreclosure, utility shutoffs, or landlord issues. These services are often free or low-cost and can provide legal guidance, court assistance, referrals, and tenant rights education. Veterans dealing with housing instability may benefit from legal intervention before eviction or foreclosure progresses further.

Basic Eligibility:

• Usually income-based
• Cook County or Illinois residency depending on service
• Civil legal issue related to housing or debt

Common Documentation Requested:

• Photo ID
• Court notices or eviction paperwork
• Lease agreements
• Debt collection notices
• Financial documentation
• Veteran documentation if requesting Veteran-specific referrals

Chicago Homeless Prevention Call Center – Homeless Prevention & Shelter Line

The Chicago Homeless Prevention & Shelter Line serves as a centralized intake and referral system for individuals and families seeking emergency shelter, homeless prevention assistance, and housing referrals in Chicago. Staff assess immediate housing needs and connect callers to shelters, prevention programs, case management agencies, and emergency housing resources. Veterans are often referred to Veteran-specific providers when eligible.

Basic Eligibility:

• Individual or family experiencing homelessness or imminent housing loss
• Primarily serves Chicago residents

Common Documentation Requested:

• Photo ID
• Information about current living situation
• Eviction notice or homelessness verification
• Household information
• Income information if available

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

The Chicago Housing Authority provides public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance for eligible low-income residents within the City of Chicago. Veterans and their families may qualify for housing assistance programs or supportive housing partnerships through CHA and affiliated service providers. CHA also works with nonprofit agencies and VA-supported programs to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

Basic Eligibility:

• Low-income household
• Eligibility for housing assistance programs
• Residency requirements may apply

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued ID
• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates
• Income verification
• Housing or homelessness documentation
• Veteran records if applying for Veteran-focused programs

All Chicago

All Chicago coordinates homeless services, shelter access, housing placement systems, and funding partnerships across the Chicago region. Rather than directly operating most shelters, the organization helps connect individuals and families to coordinated entry systems, housing providers, case management agencies, and prevention programs. Veterans may be referred into specialized Veteran housing programs, rapid rehousing services, or coordinated care systems through All Chicago partner agencies.

Basic Eligibility:

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Participation usually occurs through referral or intake systems

Common Documentation Requested:

• ID and household information
• Proof of homelessness or housing crisis
• Income documentation
• Veteran documentation if seeking Veteran-specific assistance

Volunteers of America (VOA)

Volunteers of America provides supportive housing, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, employment support, behavioral health services, and Veteran-focused homeless assistance programs throughout many regions, including Illinois. VOA often partners with the VA through programs such as SSVF and Grant & Per Diem housing initiatives. Their services are designed to help Veterans and families stabilize housing, improve income, and access long-term support services.

Basic Eligibility:

• Veteran or low-income individual/family depending on program
• Homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Some programs require case management participation

Common Documentation Requested:

• DD-214 or military records
• Photo ID
• Social Security card
• Proof of income
• Homelessness or eviction documentation
• Household information

A Safe Haven Foundation

A Safe Haven provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, behavioral healthcare, substance abuse treatment, workforce development, and case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Veterans may access both Veteran-specific and general supportive housing programs through the organization. Services often focus on helping individuals stabilize their health, employment, and long-term housing situation.

Basic Eligibility:

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Some programs may require participation in supportive services or treatment programs

Common Documentation Requested:

• Photo ID
• Social Security card
• Income information
• Medical or behavioral health information depending on program
• Veteran documentation if applicable

Catholic Charities of Chicago

Catholic Charities of Chicago provides a broad range of services including emergency financial assistance, food assistance, housing counseling, rental support referrals, case management, emergency shelter referrals, counseling, and family support programs. Veterans and their families may qualify for homelessness prevention assistance, emergency aid, or referrals to specialized Veteran support organizations. Services are generally available regardless of religious affiliation.

Basic Eligibility:

• Financial hardship or demonstrated need
• Residency requirements may vary by program

Common Documentation Requested:

• Photo ID
• Proof of address
• Income verification
• Lease or utility documentation
• Eviction notices if applicable
• Veteran documentation for Veteran-focused referrals