We work with Chicagoans experiencing homelessness and poverty each year, connecting people and creating opportunity through access to social services, housing, job training, and food.
Inspiration Corporation does not provide emergency shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness. If you are homeless and looking for immediate shelter, please call 311 and dial 4 for “short term help” or call the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Supportive Services (DFSS) hotline at (800) 654-8595.
For more information on our services and how to access them, please read below!
Meals and Food
- Hot meals and bagged lunches are offered several days a week to anyone in need at Inspiration Cafe, located at 4554 N Broadway, Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60640, just around the corner from the Wilson Red Line Stop.
- Meals service open to anyone in need and currently takes place on the following days and times:
- Monday 12pm-1pm
- Tuesday 12pm-1pm
- Wednesday 12pm-1pm
- Thursday 12pm-1pm
- Meals vary each day, including multiple hot options and a bagged lunch with a sandwich, snacks, and drink.
- Meals are provided to people on a first come first serve basis, and we often run out of food.
- To find the nearest food bank, click here: https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/
Need Housing?
Inspiration Corporation’s Housing Program draws participants from the City of Chicago’s Coordinated Entry System.
- Our Housing Program works only with referrals through the city-wide housing waitlist, called the Coordinated Entry System
- To be added to this waitlist, you can call 312-361-1707 on Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm to complete a housing assessment. You must do this to get on the wait list for housing in the City and then be referred to a housing provider like Inspiration Corporation.
- Completing the assessment over the phone does not mean you will be placed in housing through Inspiration Corporation. You may be referred to another housing provider in the City for services. Completing a housing assessment does not guarantee a housing option and does not solve immediate housing crises.
- If you need immediate assistance, you can call the City of Chicago’s 311 help line to be connected with a shelter and request transportation to a shelter.
- You can also visit Inspiration Cafe at 4554 N Broadway, Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60640, just around the corner from the Wilson Red Line Stop during drop-in services, to use our phone and get help with this process.
Drop-In Case Management
- Inspiration Corporation offers drop-in case management appointments to anyone in need on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am-1pm at Inspiration Cafe.
- The Cafe is located at 4554 N Broadway, Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60640, just around the corner from the Wilson Red Line Stop.
- Some examples of services offered during drop-in case management are: use of our resource room phones and computers, assistance with applying for benefits, referrals to healthcare services, assistance with applications for transportation support, and more.
- If you or someone you know needs support, please come in for an appointment. Appointments are limited and there may be a wait time to receive support.
Job Training at Inspiration Kitchens
- Inspiration Corporation runs a free, 8-week job training program at Inspiration Kitchens, our operating social enterprise restaurant and job training facility in East Garfield Park.
- If you are interested in starting a career in the culinary industry, you can learn more and fill out our interest form at https://www.inspirationkitchens.org/job-training
Benefits Applications
- To check your eligibility for benefits, you can visit https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/
- For assistance applying to benefits, visit us at the Cafe during drop in hours!
Additional Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call (800) 273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call (800) 799-7233 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Free Crisis Text Line
If you are in need of someone to talk to there is a free Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor. The service is free and available 24/7.
Success Stories
During his incarceration for his participation in a robbery, Benjamin became determined to help change the story for others.
After joining our programs upon his release, he was able to complete his Bachelors Degree with help from our Lori Jericho Memorial Education fund. He is now pursuing his Masters Degree and using his insight to be a mentor and advocate for youth involved in the justice system.
