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RSSHomeless Outreach and Engagement
The first step in housing homeless people is to engage them in the process.
Many homeless residents are eager to regain the stability of permanent housing. But for others who have a history of life on the streets or making the rounds of shelters, engagement can be a challenge. The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) conducts a variety of outreach activities.
Below is an overview of DFSS’ homeless and outreach services available to residents. Any resident who needs shelter, or who knows of a person who is homeless and needs assistance can call 311 to be connected to DFSS Homeless and Emergency Services.
Taking Services to the Streets
The decision to seek assistance is a matter of personal choice. When DFSS brings services directly to homeless people, they are more likely to participate. Services are too convenient to pass up.
Mobile Clinics
The city’s two mobile clinics make services readily accessible to homeless people. They bring a full range of medical and social services directly to the individual.
Social Services
- Counseling and Case Management
- Housing Job
- Training / Placement
- Substance Abuse Recovery
Medical Services
- Primary Care Services
- Health Prevention and Maintenance
- Blood Test
- Immunization
The well-equipped clinics are staffed by a certified nurse practitioner from the Chicago Department of Public Health and a social worker from DFSS. In addition to providing direct service, they offer a conduit to long-term health, housing and support services.
The mobile clinics travel the city. They locate in parks, viaducts, soup kitchens, shelters…anywhere homeless people gather. For more information about DFSS’ mobile clinics, call 312.743.0300.
CTA Outreach
Some homeless people find overnight refuge on Chicago Transit Authority trains. DFSS outreach workers board the "L" trains late at night into the early morning hours. They engage homeless riders in conversation and inform them of available resources. To request assistance for a homeless CTA rider, call 3-1-1.
Street Outreach
DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention teams conduct year-round outreach to homeless people across the city. Over time, through repeated dialog, outreach workers gain the trust of their street clients and are able to guide them into programs.
During periods of extreme winter weather, additional teams are assigned. An aggressive effort is launched to convince homeless people on the street to spend the night in a warm shelter. To request assistance for a homeless resident, call 311.
Airport Outreach
In past years, O'Hare Airport has been a respite for homeless people seeking a warm, safe place to spend the day or sleep overnight. Outreach activities are conducted at Chicago’s airports in order to engage homeless people in the airport and secure supportive services and shelter arrangements for them. To request assistance for a homeless resident at the airport, call 3-1-1.
Service Events
Throughout the year, DFSS coordinates outreach events that bring a number of service providers together in a location convenient for homeless people.
Organizations set up booths and have staff available to talk to people about their services. Typically, 15 to 20 organizations participate offering programs such as alcohol and drug detox, health care, job training and placement, housing services, veterans services, state IDs and more. DFSS provides transportation for anyone who decides to take immediate advantage of available services. To request information on a service event, call 3-1-1.
Department Main Office
Family & Support Services
