In response to the ongoing international crises, the Village of Skokie Health and Human Services Department is committed to providing support to its residents, focusing on social and mental well-being during these challenging times. While this is not an exhaustive list, the Village is actively sharing the following resources to help residents cope:
- The Lifeline - Call 988: When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing 988 Lifeline network, made up of over 200 local crisis centers. These counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
- Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741: Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds.
- Illinois Warm Line - Call 866-359-7953: If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and support you. The Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except holidays.
- Disaster Distress Helpline - Call 800-985-5990 or Text 66746: The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- Veterans Crisis Line - Call 800-273-8255 or Text 838255: If you're a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call to reach caring, qualified VA responders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you're experiencing a crisis or supporting someone who is, the Veterans Crisis Line can help.
- JCFS Chicago – Call 855-275-5237 (855-ASK-JCFS): The Jewish Child and Family Service provides integrative counseling services and psychological testing to understand learning differences, cognitive, emotional and other mental health disorders. Their expert therapists offer guidance to help children, teens and adults find solutions to the challenges they face.
- Khalil Center – Call 855-554-2545: Offers a variety of counseling services to serve the growing mental health of Muslim communities.
- Skokie Health and Human Services Department – Call 847-933-8208: Human Services provides short-term counseling, information and referrals to social services.
Individuals and families may also want to reach out to their faith communities about support groups and resources. We encourage residents to reach out and let us know if they are aware of additional resources that should be considered for inclusion in our support efforts. By coming together and supporting one another, we can navigate these challenging times with resilience and strength. For more information or to suggest additional resources, please contact Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8208.
