Service Centers Assist nearly 200,000 residents each year

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) today announced the launch of an outreach campaign designed to encourage residents to take advantage of the resources available through the City’s Community Service Centers.

“We know that everyone needs a little help sometimes,” said DFSS Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler. “I encourage residents to utilize the resources available to them. We are here to support residents and empower them to thrive.”

The City of Chicago has six Community Service Centers that work with various state, local and delegate agencies to provide individuals and families in need with access to a wide range of resources from shelter, food and clothing to domestic violence assistance, drug rehab, job training and prisoner re-entry services. Clients can also get information about rental, utility and other financial assistance programs.

The outreach campaign will last a month and can be found on CTA buses and trains as well as online. Through targeted outreach, the City seeks to remind residents that the Department of Family and Support Services is available to help.

DFSS’ six Community Service Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. City residents who need assistance can drop in or schedule an appointment in advance. Visitors participate in an initial assessment to identify their needs.

Each year the nearly 200,000 residents walk into a DFSS Community Service center, where various state, local and delegate agencies provide services for residents. In 2016, DFSS staff provided services for over 36,000 residents and answered over 23,000 telephone calls. In addition to providing resources and programming, the facilities serve as warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather.

Chicago’s Community Service Centers are located at:

For more information on services residents can visit www.cityofchicago.org/fss or call 311.