Where to get free stuff in Cook County
Learn where you can get free stuff in Cook County, whether it is for basic needs (food, clothes, etc.) or more “service-oriented”, such as medical care or non-profit credit counseling. Below are links to various programs in Chicago and the county that provide items to anyone in need.
Note that many of the programs are income based, such as around legal aid services or health care centers. Other programs that give out free stuff / services help anyone in the area, and that can be items such as groceries from a pantry, school supplies or furniture. As the programs in Cook County due vary.
Chicago Illinois area places for free stuff
Free basic needs includes clothes, school supplies, and furniture. Some centers in Cook County may not have financial assistance, but they provide other forms of help. Free clothing closets may distribute free clothes for kids or adults, birthday gifts or toys, winter coats, and work clothes. There are also free furniture banks for household items. They will also offer case management, including career counseling programs and referrals to government resources. More on free clothes, furniture and school supplies in Chicago.
- Seasonal school supply events are held across the city and County. Students from low income households may be given everything they need including a haircut, free school supplies, bags, books, clothes, and more. Back to School Illinois coordinates many of them across the city of Chicago. Find more information on Chicago free school supplies.
- Furniture rental places are also in Cook County. People with no or bad credit, or no money for upfront costs, can use the centers. Appliances, couches and other goods are offered, and learn more on how to rent furniture with no credit check.
Lions Club gives out free items, ranging from glasses to medical equipment. You need to have a referral from a social service organization. The center may be able to help the low income and homeless obtain free furniture, household items and clothing. There are multiple locations. Call 630-571-5466 with the main location at 300 W 22nd St, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Free lawyers help the low-income in Chicago. There is legal support for housing, public benefits, and other civil needs is provided by pro-bono firms and some non-profits in the city and Cook County. Income qualified clients can receive help with applying for benefits such as SSI or SNAP food stamps. There is free advice for stopping evictions in Chicago, support for immigrants, and assistance for dealing with debt collectors, among other services. The lawyers give free consultations in Cook County. Learn more about Legal aid in Chicago.
- If you can’t afford an attorney, the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation may be able to help. They provide free pro bono legal representation of individuals and other clients from the ranks of the city of Chicago area's poor, unemployed and working poor. Volunteer lawyers resolve non-fee-generating family, housing and foreclosure, consumer debts, or probate. They help older people create a will, or get consultations on tort, immigration, government benefits and miscellaneous legal cases. Dial (312) 332-1624 to learn more about legal programs, or click here state of Illinois legal aid.
Free holiday and Christmas programs are available for low income and struggling families, with a focus on assisting children in both Cook County and Chicago. Most of the programs are run by non-profits, such as Catholic Charities and Santa VP. They also rely heavily on donations from the community. More details on free Christmas help in Chicago and Cook County.
Help with food is available. There are many food pantries, soup kitchens for a hot meal and free food banks. Low-income families and the homeless (among others) will get groceries, hot meals and more.
- Feeding America - Greater Chicago Food Depository the Cook County and Chicago region of Illinois. They provide emergency food vouchers, groceries, and access to a food pantry for low income residents. Phone (312) 263-2303. There will be holiday food baskets, Ensure for the elderly, diapers, formula for new parents and more.
- Dozens of other non-profits pantries, soup kitchens and food banks operate in the city and county. Free groceries today for the low-income, personal toiletries and more is offered. Get a list of free food pantries and assistance in Cook County and Chicago, and find how to apply.
Local neighborhood type groups, and websites, help people find free personal or household stuff. Most of it will be gently used, however sometimes it is possible to find brand new stuff. Some of the main places to look include Craigslist of Cook County with a zip code search box too and the site is here https://chicago.craigslist.org/search/zip.
- Trash Nothing also has a major presence in Chicago IL. People list items they want to give away and it can be clothes, appliances, bedroom furniture, tech items and so much more with the site here https://trashnothing.com/chicago-freecycle.
Free medical and health care services help the less fortunate. Most locations are federal government qualified health centers in Cook County.
- Access Community Health Network operates from many sties. This facility has a variety of health programs and resources that are affordable. ACCESS services are comprehensive and will meet the needs of low income, homeless in Chicago and other struggling families. People with no money or health insurance can get free medical or dental. They also have information on medication programs, such as from RX outreach. Call 1.866.267.2353.
- The Children’s Clinic is a place that patients in need of medical help can find top quality medical, basic dental and health care. Physicals, dental checkups, therapy and more is offered. Receive dental care for your child as well. Dial (708) 848-0528. The address is 28 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302.
A number of other not for profit hospitals and free government qualified health and dental centers operate in Chicago and Cook County. Find details on other Chicago free community healthcare clinics.
Free credit counseling, debt reduction and mortgage relief in Chicago and Cook County is available. A few national non-profits have local operations. They help with consumer debt as well as housing needs. Find the phone numbers, addresses, and details on the services offered by additional credit counseling agencies across Chicago and Cook County or try one below.
- It is possible to get one on one help from a credit or mortgage counselor from MMI (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling of Greater Chicago). Call them at (312) 443-1326. They offer face to face, phone, and internet services. The non-profit offers debt and credit counseling, budgeting, financial management, foreclosure prevention, and bankruptcy advice. They help people rebuild their credit scores too. There is car loan payment help, information on how to refinance a credit card and other debt consolidation tools. The address is 401 Michigan Ave #1200, Chicago, IL 60611.
- American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc. is another non-profit debt and credit counseling agency that is a non-profit, HUD approved. The location is 875 N Michigan Ave Ste 3100, Chicago. Call (312) 373-3711.
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