Resources for Downtown Oak Park Visitors & Merchants

Homelessness can strike anyone. In the U.S., most people are one rent payment away from potentially being on the street. And in today’s pandemic, more people are struggling, leading to homelessness and panhandling.

People panhandle for various reasons. It could be a loss of housing or income, mental health or substance abuse, or family issues that lead to isolation.

When you are experiencing homelessness, it affects a person’s dignity. The stress is high; you are in survival mode in part because of the lack of life’s basics: shelter, food, income, support.

In partnership with the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, we are actively working to offer options and outline resources for those in need, as well as patrons of Downtown Oak Park to provide a safe and inviting environment for everyone in our downtown.

We urge you to treat people with compassion and dignity, which is why we have developed resources to help residents, businesses and those experiencing homelessness in our community.

So, what do you do if someone is in need of immediate shelter?

For outreach Call: 877-426-6515 or Email: outreachteam@housingforward.org. Housing Forward Street Outreach Team works with those on the streets each day, and can assist with getting help for the individual.

Public restrooms are available in Austin Gardens.

Emergency Cooling Shelters

Oak Park Public Libraries

Main Library/ Oak Park Public Library: 834 Lake St (open from 9am-9pm)

Maze Branch/ Oak Park Public Library: 845 Gunderson Ave (open from 10am- 9pm)

Dole Branch/ Oak Park Public Library: 255 Augusta St (open from 10am- 9pm)

Housing Forward

1851 S. 9th Avenue, Maywood (open 9am to 5pm)

For Visitors to Downtown Oak Park

If you are approached by someone panhandling or experiencing homelessness, please remember we are all human. Know that kindness, dignity and compassion are most important. Having a conversation with someone can be a simple and helpful act of kindness.

If you are asked for cash, it’s okay to say “I don’t have it right now, but I can give you something next time.” Or you could say “Sorry, I don’t have any money.” Or “I don’t carry cash” and provide a statement of encouragement and/or offer resources.

If you want to help the person, options include:

  • Present the person with a resource card, which provides a range of services available to help with homelessness and mental health, substance abuse and financial issues. Resource cards are available at the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance office.
  • Donate or volunteer with one of numerous organizations in Oak Park, including Beyond Hunger, Housing Forward and the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition. By volunteering, and sharing that information, it is a reminder that you are working toward systemic change to end homelessness by making it rare, brief and one time.
  • For outreach, resources, or referrals, contact the Suburban Cook Call Center at 877-426-6515 or Email: outreachteam@housingforward.org. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
  • For situations involving criminal or unsafe behavior, you can contact the Oak Park Police Department by calling 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line at 708-386-3800.
  • For anyone dealing with a mental health crisis, contact Thrive Counseling Center at 708-383-7500, option 1. They are available 24/7, every day of the year.

For Businesses

If your business is impacted in some way by someone loitering or panhandling, consider engaging the person.

  • If someone is loitering or panhandling on private property, you can kindly ask them to leave.
  • Consider getting pocket resource cards to hand out. Cards are available at the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance office. You can also email aramirez@a5inc.com to request a set of cards or print online at endhomelessnessoakpark.com/resources.
  • For outreach, resources or referrals contact the Suburban Cook Call Center at 877-426-6515 or email outreachteam@housingforward.org. Open Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
  • For situations involving criminal or unsafe behavior, you can contact the Oak Park Police Department by calling 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line at 708-386-3800.
  • For anyone dealing with a mental health crisis, contact Thrive Counseling Center at 708-383-7500, option 1. They are available 24/7, every day of the year.

What to do if personal items have been left behind:

Items in public way – call the Village of Oak Park Public Works Department.

Items on private property – contact the property owner.