Community Resources
Housing, Shelter & Food Assistance
for Returning Citizens
Returning to the community after incarceration presents challenges that extend beyond finding employment. Securing stable housing, obtaining food, and navigating eligibility requirements can create immediate obstacles to rebuilding a productive life.
Legacy Reentry Foundation connects returning citizens and their families with organizations throughout Lake County, Illinois, offering emergency shelter, housing assistance, food pantries, and other essential services.
Legacy does not directly provide housing or food assistance. Our role is to help individuals identify community resources and find a starting point.
1. Immediate Housing & Emergency Shelter
If you are returning to Lake County after incarceration and do not have a safe place to stay, the following organizations can help you explore emergency shelter and housing options.
PADS Lake County
Emergency Shelter & Homelessness Assistance
Address: 1800 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-689-4357
Website: https://padslakecounty.org/find-help/
PADS Lake County assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness through emergency shelter, housing assessments, street outreach, case management, and supportive services.
How to get help: Call to arrange an intake assessment. Day Resource Center intake services are available Monday through Friday during business hours. Shelter placement is subject to assessment and availability.
After-hours mental health crisis support: 847-377-8088 (Lake County Crisis Care Program).
Reentry eligibility: Individuals returning from incarceration should contact PADS directly to discuss eligibility, documentation requirements, and any restrictions associated with their circumstances.
211 Lake County
24-Hour Community Assistance & Referrals
Phone: Dial 211
Text: Send your ZIP code to 898211
Website: https://211lakecounty.org/
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Specialists can help locate emergency shelter, housing assistance, food programs, utility assistance, and other essential services throughout Lake County.
Reentry eligibility: Available to all Lake County residents, including returning citizens. Eligibility for individual programs is determined by each service provider.
Important: Neither Legacy Reentry Foundation nor the organizations listed here can guarantee immediate shelter placement. Contact providers directly to confirm availability and admission requirements.
2. Affordable Housing, Transitional Housing & Rental Assistance
Finding stable housing after incarceration can be difficult, especially when rental applications involve criminal-background checks, income requirements, or long waiting lists.
The following organizations offer affordable housing programs, rental assistance, transitional housing, or housing-related services in Lake County.
Lake County Housing Authority (LCHA)
Affordable Housing & Housing Choice Vouchers
Address: 33928 N. Route 45, Grayslake, IL 60030
Phone: 847-223-1170
Website: https://www.lakecountyha.org/
Provides public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance to qualifying households.
How to apply: Contact LCHA or visit its website for current application procedures and waiting-list information.
Reentry considerations: Criminal-background screening may affect eligibility. Returning citizens should ask about applicable restrictions before applying. Programs are not intended for immediate emergency shelter.
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
Rental, Utility & Housing Stability Assistance
Address: 2424 Washington Street, Suite 207, Waukegan, IL
Phone: 847-249-4330
Website: https://www.caplakecounty.org/
Provides assistance programs for qualifying low-income households, including rental or mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and referrals to additional community services.
How to apply: Call to request an intake assessment and learn which programs currently have funding.
Eligibility considerations: Rental assistance may require proof of income, identification, and an existing lease. Published program rules exclude security deposits, households already receiving certain housing subsidies, and some eviction-related situations.
Waukegan Housing Authority
Public Housing & Affordable Housing
Address: 1707 N. McAree Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-244-8500
Website: https://www.waukeganhousing.com/
Provides affordable housing programs for qualifying individuals and families in Waukegan.
How to apply: Contact the housing authority for application requirements, housing availability, and waiting-list status.
Reentry considerations: Applicants should ask about criminal-history screening, income requirements, and documentation.
North Chicago Housing Authority
Public Housing & Housing Assistance
Phone: 847-785-4300
Website: https://northchicagohousing.org/
Provides affordable housing assistance and access to housing program information for eligible individuals and families.
How to apply: Contact the housing authority or visit its applicant portal for current application information.
Reentry considerations: Returning citizens should ask whether their criminal history or current supervision status affects eligibility.
Lake County Haven
Transitional Housing for Women and Children
Location: Libertyville, Illinois (confidential residential locations)
Phone: 847-680-5408
Website: https://lakecountyhaven.org/
Provides transitional shelter, supportive housing, and case management for women experiencing homelessness, including women with children.
Services include employment assistance, financial planning, educational support, and referrals to additional services.
How to apply: Call for a telephone intake. Applicants may need to complete an interview and may encounter a waiting list.
Reentry considerations: Justice-impacted women should contact the organization directly to discuss admission requirements. Criminal-history eligibility has not been independently confirmed.
Catholic Charities — Transitional Housing
Transitional Housing & Family Support
Website: https://www.catholiccharities.net/get-help/program/transitional-housing/
Provides transitional housing assistance for eligible individuals and families, including rental assistance and case management aimed at achieving long-term housing stability.
How to apply: Lake County applicants should begin through the county's coordinated-entry system, which assesses housing needs and makes referrals to participating programs.
Reentry considerations: Admission depends on program eligibility, household circumstances, and available resources. Contact the program to discuss applicable criminal-background restrictions.
Important Housing Information for Returning Citizens
Housing providers may consider criminal history, income, household composition, identification, and other eligibility factors when reviewing applications.
A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from every housing program. However, some restrictions are mandatory, while others depend on individual provider policies.
Contact the organization before visiting or submitting an application. Ask about waiting lists, documentation requirements, background screening, and availability.
Legacy Reentry Foundation provides community resource information and referrals. Housing approval, admission decisions, and financial assistance are determined by the individual providers.
3. Food Pantries & Meal Assistance
Access to nutritious food is an essential part of a successful return to the community. Whether you have recently been released from incarceration, are experiencing financial hardship, or need temporary assistance, several Lake County organizations provide free groceries and meals.
The following resources serve individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Some require registration, identification, or proof of residency. Contact each provider before visiting to confirm current availability.
UMMA Harvest Market
Free Groceries & Nutrition Assistance
Address: 502 10th Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 224-480-4320
Website: https://www.ummacenters.org/harvestmarket
UMMA operates a free grocery market where qualifying individuals and families can select fresh produce, dairy, pantry staples, and other food items.
Distribution hours:
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Monday–Tuesday: 2:00–6:00 PM
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Wednesday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (Senior Day)
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Thursday–Friday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
How to receive assistance: Register and shop during operating hours. Customers may select up to 25 free items weekly, subject to program guidelines.
Reentry considerations: Contact UMMA for registration requirements and alternatives if you lack current identification or a permanent address.
Catholic Charities — Bernardin Center Food Pantry
Emergency Grocery Assistance
Address: 671 S. Lewis Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-782-4000
Website: https://www.catholiccharities.net/get-help/map/
Provides food assistance to Lake County individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
Distribution hours:
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–3:00 PM
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Wednesday: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–3:00 PM
How to receive assistance: Call or visit during service hours. Photo identification is required. Eligible households may receive assistance once every 30 days.
Reentry considerations: Individuals without a current photo ID should call before visiting to ask about acceptable documentation.
COOL Ministries Food Pantry
Free Groceries & Household Food Assistance
Address: 800 W. Glen Flora Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-662-1230
Website: https://www.coolministries.org/food-pantry.html
Provides groceries to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Available items may include pantry staples, frozen meat, bread, and fresh produce.
Distribution hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.
How to receive assistance: Visit during distribution hours. Guests are served in order of arrival.
Reentry considerations: County resource information lists photo identification as a requirement, with no geographic service restriction. Call if you lack acceptable identification.
Most Blessed Trinity — Holy Family Food Pantry
Weekly Grocery Assistance
Address: 912 8th Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-623-2112
Website: https://www.mbtparish.org/food-pantry
Provides grocery assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Distribution hours: Wednesdays, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM.
How to receive assistance: Register through Illinois Link2Feed Client Enrollment and present your assigned client number when receiving groceries.
Reentry considerations: Ask whether alternative registration arrangements are available if you lack a phone, internet access, or identification.
Emmanuel Faith Bible Christian Center
Food Pantry & Community Meals
Location: 1840 Lincoln Street, North Chicago, IL
Phone: 847-473-4854
Website: https://tjesusloveyou.wixsite.com/emmanuelfaith
Provides food pantry assistance and a community soup kitchen.
Published distribution schedule:
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Thursdays, 4:00–4:30 PM: Seniors
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Thursdays, 5:00–7:00 PM: Community food pantry
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Third Sunday, 1:30–2:30 PM: Community soup kitchen
Reentry considerations: Contact the organization regarding identification and residency requirements.
Hours and location should be confirmed before visiting.
St. Joseph Food Pantry
Weekly Grocery Assistance
Address: 112 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone: 847-990-1211
Website: https://www.stjoseph-libertyville.org/food-pantry
Provides groceries to Lake County residents and individuals experiencing homelessness.
How to receive assistance: Registration is required. Bring government-issued photo identification with an address or other proof of local residency. Registered households may visit once every seven days.
Reentry considerations: Those without permanent housing should ask what alternative proof of residency is accepted.
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
Emergency Food & Community Support
Phone: 847-249-4330
Website: https://www.caplakecounty.org/
Provides food assistance and other programs supporting low-income households in Lake County.
How to receive assistance: Call to complete an intake and confirm current food distribution arrangements and pickup locations.
Reentry considerations: Ask about documentation requirements, emergency food availability, and assistance for recently released individuals without stable housing.
Northern Illinois Food Bank — My Pantry Express
Free Grocery Ordering & Pickup
Waukegan pickup location: Walmart, 3900 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan, IL 60085
Website: https://mypantryexpress.org/locations/
My Pantry Express allows individuals and families to order free groceries online for pickup at participating distribution locations. Availability and scheduling vary by location.
How to receive assistance: Visit the website to find an available distribution date and place an order before the registration deadline.
Reentry considerations: Online registration and transportation may present barriers. Contact the program about assistance with ordering and pickup arrangements.
Important Information About Food Assistance
Food pantries may have different requirements for identification, proof of residency, household size, and visit frequency. Some programs require advance registration, and supplies may be limited.
If you have recently returned from incarceration and lack identification, transportation, or a permanent address, call the provider before visiting to discuss possible accommodations.
Legacy Reentry Foundation does not distribute food or determine eligibility for these programs. Services, distribution hours, and availability are managed by the individual providers.
4. Additional Assistance & Referral Services
If you cannot obtain assistance through the organizations listed above, these programs can help you locate other resources, apply for benefits, or explore additional options.
Illinois SNAP — Food Assistance Benefits
Program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Apply online: https://abe.illinois.gov/
IDHS Help Line: 800-843-6154
SNAP provides eligible individuals and households with monthly benefits to purchase groceries using an Illinois Link Card.
Reentry considerations: Individuals released from incarceration may qualify for SNAP if they meet program requirements. Ask about expedited benefits if you have little or no income, and request application assistance if you lack identification or a permanent address.
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Food Pantry Locator & Mobile Food Distributions
Website: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/
Phone: 847-336-3663
Northern Illinois Food Bank maintains a searchable directory of partner food pantries, mobile markets, and meal programs.
Some mobile food distributions do not require identification, proof of income, or referrals. Check distribution schedules and transportation requirements before visiting.
Find Food IL
Statewide Food Assistance Directory
Website: https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/get-help
Find Food IL provides a searchable map of food pantries, community meal programs, SNAP and WIC offices, and other resources.
Search by ZIP code, city, or county to locate services near you.
211 Lake County
24-Hour Community Resource Referrals
Phone: Dial 211
Text: Your ZIP code to 898211
Website: https://211lakecounty.org/
211 connects Lake County residents with assistance for housing, food, utilities, health care, and other essential needs.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Before Contacting a Provider
If you are returning from incarceration, ask the organization:
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Do you assist individuals with criminal records or who are currently under supervision?
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What identification or documentation is required?
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Can I receive assistance without a permanent address?
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Is an appointment or referral necessary?
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Are services currently available?
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Is the location accessible by public transportation?
About This Directory
Legacy Reentry Foundation provides this directory as a community information and referral service. We do not directly provide housing, shelter, or food assistance, and inclusion in this directory does not imply a formal partnership or guarantee eligibility.
Programs, funding, admission requirements, distribution schedules, and availability may change without notice. Please contact providers directly before visiting.
Last reviewed: October 2026