Care2Prevent is committed to doing its part in addressing internalized and systemic racism through practice and action. We are here to support you in accessing care, support and services during this trying time. We are staying on top of the latest information regarding COVID-19 and what we can and should do to continue to support our clients and to stand in solidarity with affected communities. We will update this page with resources and information as it becomes available.
Click on the links below for information on the following resources:
C2P Clinic
COVID Vaccine
Food
Economic assistance
Crisis resources
How can I help?
Staying connected
Need a listening ear?
Supplies for seniors and those with disabilities
Hotline numbers
COVID-19 and HIV
Memorial services
City of Chicago resources
Where’s my stimulus?
Additional resources
The Care2Prevent clinic is open on Monday evenings for adults and Wednesday evenings for children and youth from 5-7:30pm. We see individuals and families for HIV treatment, PrEP and for STIs. Our providers are trained in LGBTQ+ health.
The University of Chicago is committed to improving LGBTQ+ healthcare. See more information on the UCM website.
COVID Vaccine
Vaccines are currently open to ALL Chicago residents 5 and above. For an appointment at one of the city-run cites, the CDPH website can connect you. That website also has helpful local updates. Individuals can also try to schedule an appointment at area Walgreen’s, CVS and Walmart pharmacies. If you have questions about the COVID vaccine, some of these resources may be helpful: The CDC is always a great resource for information about public health and the coronavirus. Johns Hopkins Medicine has a great resource to learn about how the vaccine works, what you can expect and when you can expect to get it. They can also address some myths about the vaccine.
Food Resources
For a comprehensive list of resources on the South Side, including food, mental health and other community resources, click here.
Brave Space Alliance has put together a crisis food pantry for Black and Brown queer and/or trans individuals in Chicago. You may complete a request form for delivery if eligible.
Additional food resources may be found at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Always reach out to the organization before going to confirm they are open.
Economic assistance information may be found on this State of Illinois website. Governor JB Pritzker extended the moratorium on evictions through May 1st. More information can be found on the Illinois Housing Development Authority website. The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council has established a hotline for residents to get access to the resources they need. You may call at 800-655-1626 or fill out an online request form.
You may also be asking what YOU can do during this time. Click here for information on how you can help our community get through this pandemic. For those who would like to forward discussion and movement regarding racial justice, the following resources may be helpful:
Black Lives Matter Chicago advocates for justice and equitable systems. The Chicago Community Bond Fund works to raise funds to post bail for individuals who cannot pay on their own. My Block, My Hood, My City serves underprivileged youth in the city and is currently taking volunteers to help with rebuilding efforts and has created a small business relief fund. One of the end goals of social justice work is achieving changes in policy. On this link, you can find proposed policy solutions and other steps to take to promote policy change.
Staying connected is important during this time! There are plenty of great apps out there that can help you keep up with people, even if you can’t physically be with them right now. With most of them free and easy to use on any device, you’ll be able to bond with your favorite people in ways you likely never have before—all from the comfort of your own couch. Search the app or link, create a username and password, and get back to being that social butterfly!
This is a difficult time for many of us. Though we may be physically distancing ourselves from others in an effort to protect ourselves and our communities, we do not need to be truly socially isolated. We’re here for you if you need a friendly ear.
Click on this link if you’d like someone from C2P to reach out to you for a chat or connection. This resource is intended for those who just want somebody to talk to and is not intended not for individuals experiencing a crisis. A specialist will get back to you by the next business day.
In addition to the resource above, DHS launched an emotional support line called Call4Calm for anyone who needs to speak with a professional. Individuals can text “TALK” or “HABLAR” to 552020 for this free and anonymous service. Those who text will receive a call within 24 hours. This number can also be used to get connected with unemployment, shelter or food resources.
An important part of staying connected is access to high-speed internet. Chicago Connected is a program that provides free, high-speed internet service to 100,000 CPS students over the course of four years. See how you can get your kids connected.
Please see information on crisis resources here. Those experiencing addiction may find the following resources helpful: RehabSpot and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Seniors and those living with a disability may apply for deliveries of hand sanitizer, immune supplies and disinfectant wipes here.
These COVID-19 hotlines are staffed with medical to answer your questions. You may call with questions about symptoms or exposure or anything COVID-19-related. You can also find a testing facility using this search tool. Also, in addition to getting your flu shot, you can get information on registering for your COVID vaccine with Cook County here.
Cook County Public Health: 708-633-3319
Chicago resident hotline: 312-746-4835
Illinois resident hotline: 800-889-3931
RUSH University Hospital: 312-942-5555
COVID-19 may pose a unique challenge to those living with HIV. This graphic from UNAIDS may help give some guidance.
Memorial services have changed along with so many other aspects of our day-to-day lives. This will be a trying time for many community members who experience loss whether due to COVID-19 or due to other causes. Those who lose loved ones while under the stay-at-home order can still grieve and attend memorial services for those individuals but we’re all learning to grieve in a new, virtual way. Several Chicago-based organizers have pulled together a list of clergy who can help friends and family cope with their loss. Requests may be made at this link.
The City of Chicago has a comprehensive website with helpful resources to use during this time.
This page has a huge list of resources saying they’re specific to the 47th ward, but much of the information is applicable to all Chicago residents. It is several months old at this point, but many of the resources are still helpful.
The federal government has passed bills to give Americans stimulus money three times. If you haven’t received your stimulus yet, you can look up your information on the IRS website. If you did not file taxes in 2018 and 2019 or you elected to receive your refund by mail, your payments may be delayed or sent to a previous address on file. Following the prompts on the IRS website, you should be able to enter your information to get your stimulus to you.
If you’re feeling frisky, check out our tips for safe sex during quarantine.
These resources from MoneyGeek may also be helpful:
Resources for Laid-Off Workers
How to Pay for Coronavirus Healthcare