- Details
Emergency Services
EMERGENCY SERVICES 2023
Compiled by United Way of Champaign County Printed 11/18/22
This guide has been produced as a quick reference to winter housing and food resources. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all services in our community. Community resources are subject to change. For the most current information, always call 2-1-1.
HOUSING
Families/Children Emergency Shelter for Families with Children: To inquire about the Emergency Shelter for Families (ESF), please send an email to
Families with Urbana School Children: Cunningham Township runs an emergency shelter program for families with children enrolled in Urbana School District or who have children staying overnight at Crisis Nursery who have no other place they can stay. The program offers eight units which have a full kitchen and are fully furnished. Families are prioritized based on need and must be screened prior to placement. The program duration is between 30-90 days as long as the families are actively participating in case management services and working toward finding more stable housing option. Ask your Urbana School Counselor or Crisis Nursery to make a referral.
Crisis Nursery: Crisis Nursery is the only emergency-based child care facility open 24 hours, 365 days a year serving ages birth through six. It is open for the entire community to access with no fees or income eligibility. Besides safe shelter for children, they provide home visiting, play groups, support groups, case management and parenting education to strengthen parent skills and confidence. In addition to the services listed above Crisis Nursery provides diapers, formula, clothing, etc. to any community members in need. Emergency transportation support to and from the Nursery is available for families. We believe that asking for help is a sign of strength. Families who may be experiencing a crisis are welcome to call (217)337-2730 to begin the process of scheduling care for their child/children. Families can also text (217)636-4221 if they have any questions.
Regional Office of Education: Is a resource for homeless families with children and youth who are of school age. Pre-school aged children also receive services to ensure access to early childhood and preschool programs. Verification of school enrollment will be required. Services include providing school supplies, physical education clothing, transportation, alarm clocks, or special school fees such as those for field trips, pictures, and book clubs. In addition, funding is also available for tutoring and to assist with the cost of educational summer programs. Call (217)893-3219 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Strides Low Barrier Shelter (City of Champaign Township)-Starting December 12, 2022: Strides Shelter provides year-round full day shelter services to adults located at 70 E Washington in Champaign, IL. This program will not require sobriety, abstinence, or criminal background check to participate in services. The right to self determination is not only preserved but encouraged by the program so that the community member determines what they consider success and how they will achieve success. Case managers are assigned to every community member that utilizes the shelter, but ultimately the community member makes the decision on how and when they would like to interact with the case manager. Daytime services will be available to assist with linking to community resources, on-site groups, laundry, and showers facilities.
C-U at Home (Starting December 12, 2022): C-U at Home is a Mid-Barrier Program that provides 24/7 stability to assist people who are experiencing homelessness. The program is for individuals eighteen and over. Clients must complete an intake which includes a client history and physical capabilities screening. Clients must agree to participate in the program. Each client who participates in the program receives shelter in a non-congregate environment and intensive case management. C-U at Home houses 8 women and 16 men with a small number of overflow options available. The program can last up to 18 months. Interested clients should contact C-U at Home at (217)819-4569 or come to the office Monday-Friday between 10am-3pm. The office is located at 309 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL. *C-U at Home is not utilizing the Outreach/Emergency line at this time. They are only completing intakes during business hours.
FOOD
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen: The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen's mission is to feed the hungry of our community. Currently, we are providing a hot nutritional meal in a biodegradable clam shell, plus a hearty sack lunch, to-go, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Because of COVID-19, we cannot offer inside dining. Hours are 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 116 N. First Street, Champaign (217)356-7687 or visit dailybreadsoupkitchen.com.
Canteen Run: The Canteen Run is a mobile truck that offers food, drinks, blankets, and human kindness to those on the streets on Sunday-Wednesday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Drivers are needed and require a background check. Training is provided on the spot. Contact
The Jubilee Café: Located in the basement of the Community United Church of Christ, located at 805 S. Sixth St. in Campustown. The volunteer-based café will provide fresh, home-cooked takeaway meals every Monday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to college students, as well as local residents, who struggle with food insecurity. For a list of food panty and soup kitchen locations, dates and hours Contact 2-1-1 (or 1-888-865-9903).
General Services Courage Connection: Individuals or families fleeing domestic violence should contact Courage Connection’s Domestic Violence hotline open 24/7 at 1-877-384-4390. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
The Salvation Army Stepping Stone Program and Daytime Cooling/Warming Center: Stepping Stone is a transitional Housing Program which offer temporary housing for men, women and families who are employed full time and can be housed in 60-90 days. Individuals must follow the program guidelines of maintaining employment while housed. Individuals needs to present as homeless and have homeless verification. If participant(s) meet the criteria for placement they must commit to working the program. Capacity is limited, due to the availability of hotel space. Please contact Jean Ntedika, Program Manager (217)373-7832 ext 230.
The Salvation Army Red Shield Center on Market St. also serves as a daytime warming center on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Capacity is limited due to space and staffing. For homeless Veterans needing shelter should call Pre-Screen line at (217)278-9897.
Additional Daytime Cooling/Warming Centers
- The Phoenix Daytime Drop-In Center: 70 East Washington St., Champaign
- All public buildings, including libraries and municipal city, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours
Additional Resources
- Cunningham Township: For Urbana residents, provides general assistance (monthly check) for those out of work or disabled seeking SSI. Rental Assistance for homeless needing move in assistance or those facing evictions, and food panty deliveries. Apply for help online www.cunninghamtownship.org, call (217)384-4144, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit us at 205 West Green St., Urbana. Hours are from 8:30 a.m, to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Serves residents regardless of immigration or citizen status. Hablamos Español a (847)701-4217. - City of Champaign Township: Emergency Rental Assistance: For households that currently have a past due balance of $800 or less and have a landlord’s notice to vacate OR a household moving into the City of Champaign Township limits and are considered literally homeless by HUD standards that may need assistance with a security deposit. Clients must prove household income and they also cannot have received ANY rental assistance in the past two years from either Champaign or Urbana organizations. The grant is issued once every two years. For more information, please contact Phelicia at (217)403-6122. General Assistance: General Transitional Assistance (GTA): Is a program for mentally or physically disabled persons who absolutely cannot work. These individuals are single adults with no dependents and are applying or have applied for both SSI and SSDI. This program, upon approval, will provide a monthly stipend of $325 until the person is approved for Social Security payments or no longer qualifies for GTA. Applicants must reside in the city limits of Champaign. Applicants cannot have a class X or class 1 drug felony conviction after August 21, 1996. For more information, please contact Dawn at (217)403-6123.
- Rape Crisis Hotline at (217)384-4444 is available 24/7. To reach a mental health professional free of charge: Text TALK to 552020 for English service. Text HABLAR to 552020 for Spanish service.
- Lifeline Free Phone Service: Known as “Obama phones” this is a free phone service for low income residents with a social security number. 3GB data, unlimited texts, and 250-350 call minutes each month. Qualifications are based on income. You can use one of these to 5 apply: tax return, pay stubs, SSI letter, unemployment letter SNAP, Medicaid, housing voucher, or General Assistance letter. Apply through the carriers: 1. Virgin: www.assurancewireless.com or call 1-888 21-5880 - free phone provided. 2.Access: www.accesswireless.com or call 1-888-900-5899 - free phone provided. 3.Safe Link: www.safelinkwireless.com or call 800-723-3546. Must have your own phone - such as a Trac Phone.
- Coordinated Entry-Centralized Intake for Homeless (CIH) Assessments: If you are experiencing homelessness and live in Champaign County, CIH may be able to connect you to a homeless assistance program that can help. Please send an email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about CIH and to schedule your assessment. To begin the CIH process, you will be asked to provide the following: • Third party homeless verification (obtained from local emergency shelter providers) • Photo ID • Social Security card(s) • Birth certificate of minor child(ren) • Disability verification (if applicable) When a homeless assistance program has a vacancy and you are the next eligible household based on the prioritization established by the Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless, you will be referred to the homeless assistance program. Each homeless assistance program has individual and specific eligibility requirements. - Need help? Call 2-1-1 or 1-888-865-9903. 211 is a 24/7/365 information and referral service that covers much of central Illinois. TEXT 898 211 Community Resource Center at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center from the hours of 8 a.m through 5 p.m. Call hours are: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., call (217)337-2635.
- Details
March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month
Springfield -Illinois averages 53 tornadoes per year, which means you should grab your dog Toto and be prepared for tornadoes and severe weather. March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month and a good time to plan ahead, especially with the severe weather here in Illinois.
"From heavy snowfall to dangerous winds, everyone in Illinois should be prepared for adverse conditions," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "Last week, Illinois saw multiple tornadoes throughout the state, followed by unseasonably-warm temperatures, and now we're getting ready for snow and potential flooding."
Illinois ranks fourth in the United States for the most tornadoes per square mile.
Communities across the state are also susceptible to flooding as it is the most common natural hazard in the U.S. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage in your home.
Severe weather preparedness includes gathering information and supplies to prepare for a loss of electricity or if you must, evacuate from your neighborhood. That's why IEMA offers a Family Communications Plan to help people map locations to meet and track important contact information.
IEMA also recommends that you:
Keep all important records and documents in a secure waterproof container
Make an inventory of possessions using lists and photos/videos
Insure your property and possessions
Know how to shut off electricity, gas, and water
Compile an emergency kit and "go bag" to help your family for at least three days during extended power outages or evacuations
In case power is out, make sure flashlights with fresh batteries are ready
Generators should only be run outside, never indoors or in enclosed spaces
A good resource for planning can be downloaded for free at: www2.illinois.gov/ready/plan/Pages/FamilyPlan.aspx
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov
- Details
Shake Shake Shake – Earthquake Awareness Month and the Great ShakeOut Drill
February 01, 2023
SPRINGFIELD – February is Earthquake Awareness Month and a perfect time to sign up for the international ShakeOut Drill in October. Schools, workplaces, and individuals are encouraged to sign up for the October 19, 2023 Great ShakeOut Day to reinforce the information promoted this month. It’s also a good time to find out if you are insured for earthquake damage.
“Illinois sits between the New Madrid Fault Zone and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone,” explained Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “I want everyone to understand the risks and know what to do if we have a significant earthquake.”
Drop, Cover, and Hold On! is the best way to keep safe to earthquakes. The phrase reminds people to:
Drop down to the floor,
Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture,
Hold on to that object until the shaking ends.
“Check your personal preparedness kits, review your family AND work emergency plans,” said Tate-Nadeau. “Update your emergency contact information and designate a safe space where you can shelter during an earthquake.”
If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc…and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near so it can be used when the shaking stops.
If you use a walker or wheelchair: Lock your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and Cover your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then Hold On until the shaking stops.
Another major consideration is earthquake insurance.
“Standard homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover damage due to earthquakes,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “However, Illinois consumers can purchase earthquake coverage as an endorsement to their existing homeowner’s policy. Like other types of insurance, costs for coverage will vary depending on the home’s structure, age, location, and the possible risk of an earthquake occurring in the area.”
Homeowners should discuss more with their insurance agent on adding earthquake insurance.
Last year, the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut registered over 2.1 million participants. For anyone interested in practicing earthquake safety, you can join the Central U.S. earthquake preparedness effort on October 19, 2023 at 10:19 a.m. (CDT) for the Great ShakeOut Drill. Learn more about the Great ShakeOut Drill and register your participation at https://www.shakeout.org/centralus/.
More information on earthquake preparedness can be found at https://iema.illinois.gov/preparedness/earthquake.html
- Details
January is 'Radon Action Month' in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Radon is a naturally-occurring element which is undetectable from human senses. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging residents to take time in January to test their home for radon as part of 2023 Radon Action Month.
"This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is found in the air we breathe in buildings, homes, offices," said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "If not properly addressed, high levels of radon can cause major health concerns."
It's estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Radon tests can be purchased at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings. Should you find higher readings, you should contact IEMA for information about a licensed mitigation professional who are trained to reduce radon levels.
The IEMA and the Lung Association in Illinois are announcing the continuation of two statewide contests that encourage students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness among young people. The Radon Video Contest asks Illinois high school students to create a 30-second commercial style video, while the Radon Poster Contest asks middle school students to create a poster that will encourage people to test their homes for radon.
"Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Since radon is odorless, tasteless and colorless, the only way to detect radon in your home is to test the air. This is why it is critical for everyone to test their home," said Angela Tin, National Senior Director of Clean Air Initiatives for the American Lung Association. "This contest is a perfect way for everyone to learn more about this dangerous gas and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones."
All contest prizes are funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both contests are sponsored by IEMA, Lung Association, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5.
The top posters and videos from the 2022 state contests can be viewed on IEMA's radon website at www.radon.illinois.gov. The website also includes information about radon and lists of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals. Information is also available through IEMA's Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.
- Details
IEMA, ISFM, IDOL, and National Weather Service team up with Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
SPRINGFIELD – Whether you’re at work, commuting, or at home, being ready for harsh, frigid storms can lead comfort and even survival. November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month, and Nov. 7-11 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The week will culminate in a social media contest for Illinois residents.
“This is the ideal time to get ready for snow, ice, and brutal cold because Illinois weather can be pleasant one day, and a winter storm the next day,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
“Each winter season, nearly 29,000 vehicle crashes occur in Illinois, producing 4,500 injuries and 80 fatalities. That is why it is imperative that people plan ahead and prepare for winter weather impacts,” added National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois Warning Coordination Meteorologist Edward Shimon. State agencies have winter weather advice for people in the home and those at work, and the NWS has broken down preparedness topics to make it easy to prepare.
“Cold winter temperatures mean some Illinoisans will be using supplemental heating devices such as space heaters to stay warm. It’s important to follow the manufactures instructions, only use devices with an automatic shut off, and keep heating devices at least 3 feet from anything that can burn,” said Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson. “It’s important to check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors monthly to ensure they are working. If you need to use a generator during a power outage, only use them outdoors and away from windows.”
“Many frontline workers in Illinois are called upon to perform their duties in winter weather, facing environmental cold and other dangers and potentially putting their lives at risk. It is critical for employers and employees alike to prepare ahead of time and make winter safety a priority to minimize risks associated with winter weather hazards,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “Employers should ensure that individuals who work outdoors, from baggage handlers to construction workers, know the risk factors and warning signs of cold stress.”
Illinois is vulnerable to severe winter weather. The greatest snowfall on record from a single storm was 27.9 inches measured near Waukegan in Lake County, from January 3-5, 2015. Average annual snowfall ranges from 37 inches of snow in Rockford and Chicago, to as little as 6 to 10 inches at the southern tip of Illinois.
The NWS recommends that you spend time each day next week to learn more about one aspect of winter weather preparedness:
Monday, Nov. 7: Terminology—knowing the differences between a blizzard warning, winter storm warning, ice storm warning, winter weather advisory, etc.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Ice and ice safety – Wide ranging impacts of ice storms, potential for power outages in winter cold, etc.
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Snow and snow safety – How much snow can cause slippery roads, what blizzard conditions entails, etc.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Extreme cold and wind chill safety – Discover how quickly hypothermia can set in, how to recognize the signs of frostbite, etc.
Friday, Nov. 11: Travel—having a plan and getting information (gettingaroundillinois.com), vehicle preparedness for both optimal operation and a winter storm kit if stranded: Cell phone and charger Blankets or sleeping bags Extra clothing Jumper cables Flashlight Extra batteries Extra water High-calorie, non-perishable food
View more winter preparedness tips.
On Friday, Nov. 11, IEMA is asking residents to “Show Us Your Trunk.” On that day, IEMA will share social media posts of photos of residents who have prepared a winter weather emergency bag for their vehicles. Two winners will be given NOAA weather radios, which will give those residents a direct link to the latest weather information.
More information on winter weather preparedness can be found on IEMA's website or at NWS.
Page 3 of 41