Last updated 9-14-25.
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Before you begin...
Some comprehensive databases and directories already exist for community resources in Lake and McHenry Counties. Rather than duplicate the good work done by these valuable organizations, this page is dedicated to a small number of specific resources that might be of particular interest. Before scanning the list below, though, it might be a good idea to consult these larger databases first, especially since they contain all the most up-to-date information and availability:
211 - a 24-hour information and referral helpline. It’s designed to reduce time and frustration by acting as a central access point to the health and human services in Lake and McHenry Counties. You can either search the website, call 211, or text your zip code to 898211, and an expert will help navigate you to the appropriate resources for your needs. It is free, confidential, and has operators in more than 150 languages.
FindHelp.org - Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. Just enter your zip code to get started.
McHenry County People in Need (PIN) Resource Directory (ENGLISH | SPANISH) - An online, searchable booklet that gives information on the abundance of resources and support in McHenry County.
Another broad resource to consider...
More than 30 high-quality public libraries across Lake and McHenry Counties offer adult programs dedicated to self-reliance and improving quality of life, including ESL classes, citizenship classes, tax help, technology and device assistance, free printing, scanning, faxing, copying, and computer use, homebound delivery of materials, one-on-one time with a social worker, job search assistance, caregiver support, memory cafes, aging services, and more. Many also offer educational opportunities to cardholders through databases like LinkedIn Learning, GALE Courses, and Tutor.com. Use the Illinois Public Library Service Area Map to find your specific library district (enter your address in the search bar, select the correct address from the dropdown menu, then click on the house outline shown in the map results), then search that library's website and current newsletter to determine available programs and services.
Specific Resources in Lake and McHenry Counties
Addiction Recovery Services
Illinois Helpline: Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234
This is a resource for finding substance use and problem gambling treatment and recovery services in Illinois.
The helpline and text chat are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with Spanish-speaking staff on hand.
Substance Abuse Program (SAP) - Lake County
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/749/Substance-Abuse-Program-SAP
Works to prevent and treat substance abuse and dependence problems.
A Way Out - McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountysac.org/resources/county-partner-programs/a-way-out
Substance abuse inpatient or outpatient referral and placement; assessment is offered to anyone in McHenry County who wishes to seek recovery.
Domestic Violence Services
National Domestic Violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Illinois Domestic Violence hotline: 1-877-863-6338
A Safe Place - Lake County
https://asafeplaceforhelp.org/
Emergency shelter, housing, court advocacy, counseling, 24/7 crisis line (1-800-600-7233).
Turning Point - McHenry County
Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, trauma-based mental health services.
*Offers Latino bicultural/bilingual services in all adult programs.
Educational Resources
Free Adult Education - College of Lake County
https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs-and-classes/adult-education-and-esl
ESL, HSD (GED) - in English or Spanish, Bridge to Career classes, Computer Literacy classes, and Citizenship classes.
Free Adult Education - McHenry County College
https://www.mchenry.edu/adulteducation/
Bridge to U.S. Citizenship, ESL, High School Equivalency (GED), and workforce training for specific occupations.
Employment Services
Job Center of Lake County
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4927/Job-Center-of-Lake-County
Job search assistance, training and work experience, emergency assistance.
Workforce Network of McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/workforce-network/job-seekers
Career advising, training grants, workshops on basic computer, resume, and interview skills, internships and on the job training, area job postings.
Financial Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30358
For pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. Provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.
Salvation Army - Chicagoland
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northcentralillinois/referral-desk/
Use the link above to request help with rent/mortgage and utilities.
Community Action Partnership - Lake County
https://www.caplakecounty.org/Programs.html
Eligible income-qualified households can apply for rental and mortgage payment assistance and home energy bill payment assistance.
McHenry County Housing Authority
https://www.mchenrycountyhousing.org/
Low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities can apply for energy assistance and emergency rental assistance.
Food/Grocery Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps)
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=33698
Helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. Benefits are provided on the Illinois Link Card - an electronic card that is accepted at most grocery stores.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30513
Helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well and stay healthy.
Food Pantries - Lake County:
https://ageguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lake-County-Pantry-List-1.6.20-1.pdf
Food Pantries - McHenry County:
https://ageguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/McHenry-County-Pantry-List-8.23.19-1.pdf
Healthcare Coverage
View the link below for a list of healthcare coverage and medical programs offered by The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS):
https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/medicalprograms.html
Housing Services
People Assisting with Day Shelters (P.A.D.S.) - Lake County
PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and a housing crisis.
Pioneer Center/PADS - McHenry County
https://www.pioneercenter.org/homeless-services/emergency-overnight-shelter/
The McHenry County PADS Program offers an emergency homeless shelter coupled with support services in order to help individuals experiencing homelessness work toward becoming self-sufficient.
The Lake County Haven - Lake County
Empowering homeless women and their children to achieve permanent, independent living.
Lake County Housing Authority
Providing public housing for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
McHenry County Housing Authority
https://www.mchenrycountyhousing.org/
Public housing for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. They also have programs for energy assistance, emergency rental assistance, and a dental care program.
Immigrant Services & Support
Mano a Mano - serves Lake and McHenry Counties
Offers a variety of health resources, educational classes and workshops, and immigration legal services.
Operates a 24/7 Immigration Rapid Response hotline at 1-855-435-7693.
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic - Lake County
(See more under "Legal Services")
Legal Services
https://pslegal.org/ - Northern and Central Illinois
Offers free legal services for qualifying civil cases for low-income individuals.
“PSLS envisions a community where all low-income, elderly and vulnerable people have ready access to legal services to meet their basic needs and where everyone knows, understands and can exercise their rights and be treated fairly in their pursuit of justice.”
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic - Lake County
Provides accessible, quality, equitable, free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to give low-income, at-risk community members access to justice and the opportunity to live productive and secure lives.
Mental Health Services
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - dial 988
Crisis Care Program (CCP) for Adults - Lake County
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/705/Crisis-Care-Program-CCP
24/7 intervention services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, including phone counseling, walk-in counseling, and short-term respite care.
Outpatient Mental Health Services for Adults - Lake County
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/708/Outpatient-Mental-Health-Services
Provides diagnostic evaluation, psychiatric assessment, and crisis intervention to adults who have a history of chronic mental illness.
Family Support Program - Lake County
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5113/Family-Support-Program
The Family Support Program provides access to intensive mental health services and supports for youth with severe emotional disturbance.
Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services - Lake County
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/698/Child-Adolescent-Behavioral-Services-CAB
CABS provides outpatient mental health services to youth and their families, including trauma-informed therapy for individuals, families, and groups, crisis intervention, and psychiatric/medication services.
Directory of Mental Health Services - McHenry County
https://mc708.org/
Provided by the McHenry County Mental Health Board.
Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Emergency Mental Health Services - McHenry County
https://mchenrycrisisservices.nm.org/
Provides 24-hour crisis intervention, referral to available resources, face-to-face assessment, and screening admissions to local- and state-operated mental health facilities.
Services for Seniors
AgeGuide
AgeGuide is a non-profit organization that works closely with the Administration on Community Living, the Illinois Department on Aging, and many other agencies to address both the immediate and long-range needs of older adults. It is a clearinghouse of available services, like transporation to medical appointments, help with grocery shopping, caregiver assistance, friendly visits, and more. You can search the website by county and/or specific need. Individual services may set their own standard for qualifying age; many are 55 and older, some are 60 and older.
Partner agencies of note:
ElderCARE of Lake County
https://www.eldercarelakecounty.org/
Senior Services Association - McHenry County
https://seniorservicesassoc.org/
Transportation Services
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Ride Free and Reduced Fare Programs
https://www.rtachicago.org/riders/free-and-reduced-fare-programs
Older adults, people with disabilities, and military personnel may be eligible for discounts through the RTA Reduced Fare, Ride Free, or ADA Paratransit Permit Card programs.
Ride Lake County - PACE Bus
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/563/Ride-Lake-County
A county-wide paratransit service that provides low-cost transportation to seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments, and more. A birthdate is required when registering as a senior; an RTA Reduced Fare Permit or RTA Free Fare Permit number is required when registering as an individual with a disability.
Access Pilot Program
https://www.rtachicago.org/riders/access
Reduced Metra fares for low-income families using the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Only runs through January 31, 2026.
MCRide Connect - McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/transportation/mcride-connect
Reduced Uber and UZURV fares for McHenry County residents who have an RTA Reduced Fare, Ride Free or ADA Paratransit Permit Card.
MCRide Dial-a-Ride (PACE Bus) - McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/transportation/transit-services/mcride-dial-a-ride
Scheduled, curb-to-curb service for all residents of McHenry County. Different reservation requirements and fee schedules for the general public vs seniors and individuals with disabilities may apply.