Community Resources Page

The links provided on this page are external links unaffiliated with the library and are provided for use at your own discretion.

If you need further assistance or encounter a broken link, please contact the Adult Reference Desk at 847-587-0198 or here.

COVID-19 Response

IDES: COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits
- Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible.
IDOR: COVID-19 Information for Taxpayers
- The Illinois Department of Revenue has established this web page to provide information and resources to help Illinois taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by the coronavirus.
IRS: Coronavirus Tax Relief
- The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
Special Shopping Hours for Vulnerable Populations
- Many stores have designated shopping hours for seniors and other high-risk populations. The Illinois Retail Merchant's Association has compiled a list.
State of Illinois: COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
State of Illinois: COVID-19 Resources for Families with Young Children
State of Illinois: COVID-19 Response

Community Information

Food Support

Gavin D37 Community Engagement Committee
- Operates a "Grub Grab" Thursdays at 1:00 pm at the Long Lake Metra station.
Mobile Food Pantry Calendar
- Northern Illinois Food Bank March dates for Mobile Food Pantries
Open Arms Mission
- For over 20 years, Open Arms Mission served local families by partnering with local businesses, churches, community organizations, schools, and Lake County agencies. With these partnerships, they provide support with weekly food, finances and outreach referrals. Their motto “neighbor helping neighbor” is demonstrated through community donors, volunteers, and partnerships.
SNAP- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- SNAP helps low income people buy the food they need for good nutritional health.
Special Shopping Hours for Vulnerable Populations
- Many stores have designated shopping hours for seniors and other high-risk populations. The Illinois Retail Merchant's Association has compiled a list.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantries
- Information on food support is operated through St. Bede Church in Ingleside and others in Lake and Cook counties. Please call first to verify information and current offerings!

General Assistance

211 Lake County
- Call 211 or text 898211 for assistance 24/7 with any type of health and human services issue.
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
- The purpose of the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP) is to assist qualified bartenders, bar backs, and bar servers who are in need of financial assistance as a result of a catastrophic event or an emergency hardship.
Benefits.gov Coronavirus Resources
- Coronavirus FAQs and assistance provided through the Federal Government
FindHelp
- Enter your zip code and receive a comprehensive list of free & low-cost programs to help with a wide range of issues from food support, paying bills, healthcare, childcare, and many more.
Illinois Wildlife Rehabilitations
- A list of contacts who are permitted to rehabilitate certain animals in the state of Illinois.
Lake County Resources to Get Help
- Find important information and resources in Lake County to help you, your family, or organization.

Internet Access

Job Support

Local Attractions

Resources for Older Adults

AARP Fraud Watch Network
- Resource to help protect against fraud and scams.
AARP Illinois
AARP Tax Aide
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois
Benefit Access Program Benefits
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
Financial Help for Older Aldults
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides financial resources for older adults.
GCFGlobal
- Free online learning topics ranging from job skills to computer skills.
Healthcare.gov
- Information about healthcare plans and enrollment. You have from February 15 through May 15, 2021 to enroll in or change your Health Insurance due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.
Illinois Department On Aging
Mather Virtual Programs
- free virtual programs on a wide range of topics.
Medicare.gov
MedlinePlus
- Health Information Resources
MyFreeTaxes
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Supports research and provide information about complementary health products and practices.
National Institute On Aging Health Information
- Browse A-Z Health Topics and Resources.
Planning for Retirement
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides resources to help with retirement planning.
Senior Service Coalition of Lake County
Techboomers
- Over 100 free course tutorials on topics from social media to technology.
United States Social Security Administration

Small Business Support

Economic Injury Disaster Loans Advance Grants
- https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-loan-applications#section-header-0
Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance
- Under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is working with partners to launch emergency assistance programs for Illinois small businesses.
FTC Business Guidance During Coronavirus
- Guidance for businesses on how to get support, avoid scams, and follow appropriate practices in the marketplace.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
- The State of Illinois has received its statewide Economic Injury Declaration which means small businesses in all 102 Illinois counties may be eligible for low-interest, economic injury disaster loans.

Staying Active

Student Resources

Tax Information

AARP Tax Aide
- All AARP tax-aide sites have been suspended until further notice. Please visit this site or call 1-888-227-7669 for updates on the status of tax aide sites.
IDOR COVID-19 Information for Taxpayers
- The Illinois Department of Revenue has established this web page to provide information and resources to help Illinois taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by the coronavirus.
IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief
- The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.
MyFreeTaxes

Transportation

Illinois Bike Path Maps
- Includes maps for Lake & McHenry counties, as well as bicycle safety information
Lake County PASSAGE
- Live traffic information for all of Lake County, including information on closures relating to construction, weather, and accidents.
Metra Train Schedules
PACE
- PACE offers an extensive regular transit service in addition to Call-n-Ride and Dial-a-Ride services throughout Lake County. The Library usually stocks schedules for local routes.
PACE Dial-a-Ride Service Directory
- There are dozens of Pace Dial-a-Ride programs throughout the suburbs. In most cases, Pace has a financial partnership with a city or township to pay for and operate the service. Dial-a-Ride programs have different rules on fares, geographic boundaries and passenger eligibility.