Social Services & Legal Aid

Additional Resources

Local Resources

Community Resource Guide - City of Des Plaines, updated 2026

Maine Township Services Directory - Online Directory listing social service agencies serving the north and northwest suburbs. Search for the type of service you need.

Additional Resources by category:

SHELTERS

Journey/Pads Shelter Program - Schedules & locations of shelters for the homeless.

Warming Centers in Cook County

FOOD/HOUSING

• Center of Concern - A non-profit social service agency providing services and housing solutions to seniors, the disabled and others in need.
• Northwest Compass - Food, housing & employment assistance. 
• Self Help Closet & Food Pantry of Des Plaines - Serving residents with groceries and clothing during a time of need.
• The Harbour - Emergency shelter & housing support for youth (12-21) in the north & northwest suburbs.
• Findhelp.org - Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care & other free or reduced-cost help.
• Housing Authority of Cook County - Helping citizens of Cook County find a home.
• Alliance to End Homelessness. If you are experiencing homeless or at risk, click here: Entrypoint 
• Community Supper Coalition -Providing hearty, home-cooked meals and compassionate support to individuals and families in need.

IMMIGRATION

• Immigration Advocates Network Catholic Charities of Chicago provides assistance to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents going through the immigration process by offering a variety of programs and services.
• Alliance for Immigrant Neighbors - Affordable legal services for immigrants and refugees.
• Immigrant Legal Services - Illinois Department of Human Services

LEGAL AID

• Illinois Legal Aid Online - Access to legal aid, free forms & more.
• Legal Aid - Chicago - Free legal assistance for people living in poverty in Chicago & Suburban Cook County. 
• North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic - Assistance for low income residents of Suburban Cook & Lake County.

MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION

• Connections to Care (formerly Escorted Transportation Service Northwest) - Volunteer-based, escorted transportation for the seniors in our community to get to their medical and dental appointments.
• Medical Appointment Transportation (FISH) - medical transportation for Maine Township residents.

MEDICARE

SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) representatives will help people with their Medicare plans.  Call Lutheran General Hospital, Senior Services, 8820 W. Dempster Street, (847) 723-7277 for an appointment. Assistanace in Polish and Spanish on request.

OTHER SERVICES

• Between Friends - Counseling & legal assistance for victims of domestic violence.
• Open Communities - Services offered include: Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, Home Sharing Assistance, Landlord/Tenant Advice, Immigrant Integration.
• Social Security Administration - Learn what you can do online.
• National Disability Institute - Educational, financial and employment information.
• Veterans Crisis Line - Confidential assistance for Veterans, Service members & their families & friends in times of crisis.
• Human Services - City of Des Plaines -  Resources including transportation, financial wellness, substance abuse treatment, housing, legal advice, food pantries, senior services & more.
• 2-1-1 Metro Chicago - Connecting Chicago & suburban Cook County with the help they need.
• Age Options - On-demand answers for caregiving challenges. Explore online lessons and events to get help today and every day.
• Kenneth Young Center - Sup­port for peo­ple of all ages nav­i­gating life’s chal­lenges through per­son­al­ized pre­ven­tion, inter­ven­tion, treat­ment, and recovery.
• Leyden Family Service & Mental Health Center - provides counseling, treatment and preventative care services for adults, adolescents, senior citizens, children and families. This includes treatment programs for those struggling with substance abuse, gambling addiction and other mental health problems.

PLEASE CONTACT THE REFERENCE DESK FOR MORE INFORMATION: 847-376-2841, REFERENCESERVICESDESK@DPPL.ORG