Illinois Hotel Vouchers for Homeless: Where to Get Immediate Shelter

Securing hotel vouchers for the homeless in Illinois is possible through a network of state and locally funded programs designed to provide immediate, temporary shelter. When facing a housing crisis, knowing the correct first step is critical.

Assistance is not accessed through a single statewide application. Instead, individuals must contact specific local organizations that receive funding from entities like the Illinois Department of Human Services. The primary access points for this emergency support are direct phone calls to designated hotlines that connect people with local providers.

Your First Step: Immediate Emergency Shelter Contacts in Illinois

For anyone experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of it, the most important action is to contact the correct centralized intake system for their area. Illinois operates two distinct systems: one for the City of Chicago and another for the rest of the state.

The Statewide Lifeline: Dial 2-1-1

For all Illinois counties outside of Chicago, the designated starting point is 2-1-1. This is a free, confidential, 24/7 telephone service assigned by the Federal Communications Commission to connect people to vital health and human services. Individuals can either call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898211 to be connected with a trained specialist.

This service functions as the official entry point into the local system for homeless services. A professional will assess the caller's situation and provide a direct referral to the appropriate local agency for emergency shelter, housing assistance, or other critical needs.

This centralized approach eliminates the need for a person in crisis to navigate a complex network of individual providers. One call to 2-1-1 directs them to the correct, available help. In regions like Lake County, public officials explicitly identify 2-1-1 as the 24-hour central access point for all homeless assistance.

Chicago-Specific Help: Call 3-1-1

Within the city limits of Chicago, the system is different. The primary number for all homeless services is 3-1-1 (or 312-744-5000 from outside the city). When calling, it is important to request "short-term help" or "shelter" to be routed correctly. This line is the city's central access point for homeless prevention funds and shelter placement coordination.

After an initial call to 3-1-1, the intake process in Chicago is further specialized based on household type to meet distinct needs:

• Families with Children are directed to the Salvation Army Shield of Hope Center at 924 N. Christiana Avenue. This facility is the city's official Emergency Homeless Assessment and Response Center (EHARC) and the designated hub for families awaiting shelter placement.
• Single Adults are directed to the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) at 2241 S. Halsted Street. SPARC is a 24/7 intake location for assessment and connection to an available shelter bed.

Connecting with Your Local Continuum of Care (CoC)

The homeless service system in Illinois is organized into regional bodies known as Continuums of Care (CoCs). A CoC is a local coalition of non-profits and government agencies that coordinates housing and services for homeless individuals and families in a specific geographic area.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognize these CoCs as the official coordinating entities. While individuals should use 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 for immediate help, the CoC structure explains why services are organized regionally. The hotlines are aligned with these networks, ensuring callers are connected to resources within their community.

How Hotel and Motel Voucher Programs Work in Illinois

The term "hotel voucher" is part of a specific service category within Illinois's broader emergency housing strategy. Understanding how this system is structured is key to accessing the help available.

Understanding "Voucher Shelter"

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) officially defines and funds a service called "Voucher shelter." This service provides emergency shelter on a per diem basis at a local hotel or motel. It is specifically used as a contingency when traditional overnight shelters are full or otherwise unavailable.

This means that hotel vouchers are generally not a standalone program that a person can apply for directly. They are a tool used by homeless service providers as a last-resort option. An individual must first go through the standard intake process (by calling 2-1-1 or 3-1-1). If the provider determines no shelter beds are available, they may then issue a voucher for a temporary hotel stay.

The Role of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

IDHS is the primary state agency responsible for funding homeless services. Through its Emergency and Transitional Housing (ETH) Program, IDHS distributes funds to a network of local non-profit organizations across Illinois. These local providers are the entities that deliver direct services, including operating shelters and issuing hotel vouchers.

This funding model means that the availability and rules for assistance can vary significantly from one county to another. Local funding, the number of providers, and their capacity to offer vouchers are all determined at the local level, which is why there is no single statewide application.

Common Eligibility Criteria for Emergency Lodging

While specific requirements are set by each local provider, there are several common criteria for receiving emergency shelter assistance, which may include a hotel voucher:

• Proof of Homelessness: Applicants must typically be "literally homeless"—meaning they are sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, staying in an emergency shelter, or fleeing domestic violence.
• Imminent Risk of Homelessness: Individuals with an eviction notice who are at immediate risk of losing their housing may qualify for prevention programs.
• Income Limits: Household income must generally be below a certain threshold, such as 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Documented Financial Crisis: Applicants often need to document a recent and temporary financial crisis beyond their control, such as a job loss or medical emergency.
• Lack of Other Resources: The household must lack the financial resources and support networks to secure housing on their own.

Individuals seeking assistance should be prepared to provide documentation such as identification, proof of income, social security numbers, and evidence of their housing crisis (e.g., an eviction notice).

Key Organizations Providing Emergency Shelter and Assistance

Across Illinois, a few key non-profit organizations serve as pillars of the homeless assistance network. These are names that individuals will frequently encounter when seeking help.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a major provider of emergency services throughout Illinois, offering assistance with rent, utilities, food, clothing, and transportation. In areas where they do not operate their own shelters, they may provide financial assistance for emergency housing or refer individuals to partner agencies.

In Chicago, The Salvation Army plays a critical role. It operates the Shield of Hope facility, which serves as the Emergency Homeless Assessment and Response Center (EHARC). This makes it the official intake point for all families with children experiencing homelessness in the city.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities also provides extensive crisis assistance across the state, including emergency rental assistance, food pantries, and shelter services. The organization is structured into regional dioceses, so services and contact information vary by location.

Key regional contacts include:

• City of Chicago: Call 311 and ask for "short term help".
• Suburban Cook and Lake Counties: Contact the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago at 1-877-426-6515 (Suburban Cook) or 1-847-782-4000 (Lake County).
• Diocese of Joliet (Will, DuPage, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois Counties): Call 815-774-4663 (Will/Grundy/Kendall), 630-495-8008 (DuPage), or 815-933-7791 (Kankakee/Ford/Iroquois).
• Diocese of Springfield: Contact the local office in Springfield (217-523-4551), Effingham (217-857-1458), or Granite City (618-877-1184).
• Diocese of Rockford: Contact the office that serves your county group, such as 630-820-3220 for Kane and DeKalb counties or 815-344-6956 for McHenry and Boone counties.

Illinois Homeless Assistance Resources by Region

Because Illinois's support system is organized by county, finding the correct local provider is essential. The following directory consolidates information to help individuals identify the primary contacts for emergency housing and homeless prevention services in their area.

How to Use This Directory

Locate your county in the table below to find the name and phone number of the agency or hotline designated to provide assistance in your community. These organizations are the local partners funded by IDHS and other sources to deliver direct aid.

Illinois Emergency Housing & Homeless Prevention Provider Directory

Programs to Prevent Homelessness and Maintain Housing

The Illinois Homeless Prevention Program

The IDHS Homeless Prevention Program is a critical resource designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes and prevent entries into the shelter system. This program provides one-time financial assistance grants that can be used for:

• Payment of rent or mortgage arrearage.
• Payment of a security deposit.
• Payment of utility bills and arrearages.

To be eligible, a household must document a temporary economic crisis and show they can meet future housing costs after receiving assistance. With a reported 80% success rate in keeping families housed, this program is a highly effective alternative to the emergency shelter system. Assistance is accessed through the local provider network.

Federal Housing Vouchers (HUD-EHV Program Status)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This program provided 70,000 long-term housing choice vouchers to assist individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

However, this program is no longer a source of new assistance. HUD has prohibited Public Housing Authorities from reissuing any EHV that is turned over after September 30, 2023. While existing EHV holders can continue to use their vouchers, the program is not accepting new applicants from the turnover pool.

A Final Word on Getting Help

Facing a housing crisis is an incredibly stressful experience. A network of dedicated organizations across Illinois is available to provide assistance.

The crucial first step is to make a single, direct phone call to the correct hotline for your area. Dial 2-1-1 if you are anywhere in Illinois outside of Chicago, and Dial 3-1-1 if you are within the City of Chicago. These trained specialists are your entry point to the entire system of care.

Frequently Asked Questions