Emergency Winter Services Guide
The United Way of Champaign County compiled this guide in November 2025.
This guide has been produced as a quick reference to winter housing and food resources. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all services in our community.
Community resources are subject to change. For the most current information, always call 211.
Shelters:
Emergency Shelter-Families/Children:
Winter Overflow Emergency Shelter for Families with Minor Children
Nightly screening for shelter 6 to 7:45 p.m. at 307 South Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Overnight Shelter from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.: location provided to approved households
CCRPC’s Winter Overflow Emergency Shelter for Families with Minor Children offers a warm, indoor, limited privacy sleeping space shared with other families, and serves approved parent(s) (or legal guardians) age 18 or over with child(ren) under the age of 18 that are Champaign County residents. The head of the household needs to be biologically or legally related to the child(ren) and must provide direct care and supervision for their minor children. The limited capacity shelter will operate nightly from November 3, 2025, to April 3, 2026, and each night is first-come, first-served. Families seeking shelter must arrive to the screening location at 307 South Neil Street in Champaign nightly between 6 to 7:45 p.m. to determine if they are eligible and approved for sheltering, and must be able to independently walk, roll, or otherwise transport themselves a short distance to the shelter location. They should bring only what they need for the night.
If families are unable to attend screening during these hours, please call 217-328-3313 (option 4) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Need to Know:
- Crisis Prevention & Response: Shelter and intake staff are trained in verbal de-escalation and crisis prevention. Staff will call emergency services if unable to de-escalate or if safety is at risk.
- Screening: Doors to the screening location (307 South Neil Street) will not open until 7 p.m., so families may que while awaiting entry to facilitate first-come first served.
- Eligibility: Adults in the households need to be able to care for their children and themselves. Households need to be able to travel to the shelter site on their own. Spots in the shelter are assigned nightly on a first come first served basis.
- Members of a household listed on the national or Illinois sex offender registry are not eligible for shelter services. Families who do not have a minor child are not eligible for shelter services. Families cannot bring in alcohol, drugs (other than approved medicines), or weapons into the shelter.
- Capacity: The shelter has limited capacity (6-8 households; 24 individuals), and screenings will be first-come, first-served.
- Turnaways: Families will be turned away from shelter if they are ineligible and/or if we reach our capacity limit. Turned-away families receive a resource list but no alternative immediate emergency shelter for families is currently available.
Emergency Shelter for Families with Minor Children:
Email: %20homeless-services [at] ccrcp.org (homeless-services[at]ccrcp[dot]org)
Number: 217-819-4117
One or more parent (or legal guardian) age 18 or over with child(ren) under the age of 18 and Champaign County residents. Family household size: max 6 people. The head of the household needs to be biologically or legally related to the child(ren). Expecting women with no current children may be housed by program (must be in last trimester of pregnancy). Guest will be allowed weekly increments of stay, up to 30 days, as long as the guests are actively participating in case management services and working toward finding more stable housing options.
Families with Urbana School Children:
Cunningham Township runs an emergency shelter program with 8 units for homeless families with children enrolled in Urbana School District or who have children staying overnight at Crisis Nursery who have no other place they can stay. Families are prioritized based on need and must be screened prior to placement. The program is designed to last between 30 to 90 days, but families can receive extra time, if they are actively participating in case management services and meeting weekly goals towards increasing income and finding more stable housing options. Ask your Urbana School Counselor or Crisis Nursery to make a referral if you are facing housing insecurity and Cunningham Township will screen for all available resources.
Crisis Nursery:
Call: 217-337-2730
Text: 217-636-4221
Description: Crisis Nursery is the only emergency-based childcare facility open 24 hours, 365 days a year serving ages birth through six. It is open for the entire community to access with no fees or income eligibility. Besides safe shelter for children, they provide home visiting, play groups, support groups, case management and parenting education to strengthen parent skills and confidence. Crisis Nursery provides diapers, formula, clothing, etc. to any community members in need. Emergency transportation support to and from the Nursery is available. Crisis Nursery believes that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Regional Office of Education:
Call: 217-893-3219
Email: Roe9.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Description: A resource for homeless families with children and youth who are of school age. Pre-school aged children also receive services to ensure access to early childhood and preschool programs. Verification of school enrollment will be required. Services include providing school supplies, physical education clothing, transportation, alarm clocks, or special school fees such as those for field trips, pictures, and book clubs. In addition, funding is also available for tutoring and to assist with the cost of educational summer programs.
Emergency Shelter-Individuals:
Strides Low Barrier Shelter (City of Champaign Township):
Call: 217-403-6150
Location: 70 East Washington Street, Champaign IL 61820
Administration Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: https://cctownship.com/strides-shelter/
Description: A Low-barrier emergency shelter service. Does not require sobriety, abstinence, or criminal background check to participate in services. Daytime services are available to assist with linking to community resources, on-site groups, laundry, and showers facilities.
Services:
Emergency Sheltering
- Open 24/7/365
- 64 adult beds: 60 for male identifying guests, 14 for female identifying guests
- Case management
Day Center Resources
- Laundry, showers, and programming
Community Outreach
- Partner services
- Community Events & Guest Forum
Intake Process
- Guest completes an intake to be added to the waitlist (available from 8am-6pm)
- Guest pairs with a Case Manager
- Guest returns to claim bed between 7 to 10 p.m.
- After 10 p.m., any unclaimed beds are forfeited and opened for new guests
Storage
- Guests are permitted ONE 30-gallon container for storage of personal belongings
Public Winter Emergency Shelter (Cunningham Township/Friend in Me)
Call: 217-384-4144
Email: %20info [at] ctso.org (info[at]ctso[dot]org)
Access: Refer unsheltered residents to be screened and receive transport to the shelter from:
Cunningham Township: 205 West Green Street, Urbana, 217-384-4144, %20info [at] ctso.org (info[at]ctso[dot]org)
Open hours: Monday through Thursday, from 8:3 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
STRIDES is located at 70 East Washington. Street, Champaign (27/4 shelter)
NOTE: All residents seeking shelter must be screened prior to entrance.
Website: www.ctso.org
Description: Safe, overnight (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) shelter for men with showers, hot breakfast, transportation support, and connection to case management, health care, plus other services.
Services: showers, hot breakfast, transportation support and connection to case management, health care, & other services.
C-U at Home
Call: 217-819-4569
Location: 309 South Neil Street, Champaign
Description: C-U at Home is a faith-based mission and a Mid-Barrier Program that provides 24/7 stability to assist people who are experiencing homelessness. The program is for individuals 18+ in age. Clients must complete an intake which includes a client history and physical capabilities screening. Clients must agree to participate in the program. Each client who participates in the program receives shelter in a non-congregated environment and intensive case management. C-U at Home houses eight women and eight men in our entry level homes. The program can last up to 18 months and ensures ongoing support beyond this program.
For more information on winter shelter capacity review this sheet. Please follow directions above for how to make referrals https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fvLPvfDeXwNsrTzKPGebRdMkI6cqI--ckjK-lNY4lDI/edit?usp=sharing
Food Resources
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen:
Call: 217-356-7687
Location: 116 North First Street, Champaign, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Website: dailybreadsoupkitchen.com
Description: The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen's mission is to feed the hungry of our community. Hot meals served seven days a week with an option of a hot nutritional meal in a biodegradable clamshell. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Canteen Run:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Call: 217-369-9344 Email: %20cucanteenrun [at] gmail.com (cucanteenrun[at]gmail[dot]com).
Website: www.cucanteenrun.org
Description The Canteen Run is a mobile truck that offers food, drinks, blankets, and human kindness to those on the streets on those days. Drivers are needed and require a background check. Training is provided on the spot.
The Jubilee Café:
Hours: Every Monday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Basement of the Community United Church of Christ, 805 South Sixth Street, Champaign (Campustown)
Description The volunteer-based café will provide fresh, home-cooked takeaway meals to college students and community members who struggle with food insecurity
St. Andrew’s Pantry
Location: 909 South Wright Street, Champaign
Email: %20tillman.cello [at] gmail.com (tillman[dot]cello[at]gmail[dot]com)
Shepherd’s Pantry
Call: 217-352-1732
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 2101 South Prospect Avenue, Champaign
Wesley Church Parkland College Pantry Call: 217-729-7418
Hours: Every Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m., and every first and third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: 2400 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, at Parkland College M-Wing, Room M-138 (follow signs for the M-1 parking lot)
Wesley United Methodist Church Pantry
Call: 217-729-7418
Hours: Every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: 1203 West Green Street Urbana*
*Enter the parking lot through the Goodwin Entrance
*For a full list of food pantry & soup kitchen locations, dates, and hours: Contact 211 (or 1-888-865-9903)
Health Services
Carle Free Health Services
Carle Healthy Beginnings
To enroll call: 217-902-3130
Available Resources:
- Nurse home visits to care/support pregnant moms and their families
- Mobile Clinic services
- Child and family education
- Employment opportunities
- Healthy food access
- Many more services to further be developed
Carle Mobile Health
For questions regarding locations and dates call: 217-365-7928
Description: A mobile Carle medical clinic that travels to different locations around Champaign-Urbana offering various types of healthcare.
- Care for all ages ranging from infants to elderly.
- Wheelchair friendly
Available Resources:
- Screenings to understand what impacts a person’s health
- Suggestions for primary care doctors and other local service
- Chronic condition screening and education (such as for diabetes)
- Treatment of existing or severe illnesses
- Basic wellness care and checkups, school/preschool physicals and vaccinations
- Basic lab testing
- Payment Info: Insurance and financial assistance from community resources are accepted and will be utilized if available, but Carle Mobile Health Services will see all patients no matter what, regardless of their ability to pay.
Champaign County Healthcare Consumers
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 44 East Main Street Suite 208, Champaign
Call: 217-352-6533
Available Resources:
- Healthcare (Medicaid / Medicare) - also available for immigrants
- Disability Services
- Prescription Services
- Dental
- Vision
- Hearing
- Reproductive
- Resource Guides
- SNAP
- Safelink Phones
- Hospital Financial Assistance
Champaign Urbana Public Health Department
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: (Main Clinic) 201 West Kenyon Road., Champaign
Call: (Main Office) 217-352-7961
Available Resources:
- WIC (Women Infant Children)
- Substance abuse treatment services
- NARCAN
- Children's dentist
- Adolescent Health Program
- HIV Care
- Mental Heath
- Family Case management
- Well Woman Visits
Family Advocacy Center
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 310 West Church Street, Suite 103, Champaign
Call: 217-607-0546
Available Resources:
Advocacy
Mentoring
Mediation
Alternative counseling
Workshops
Outreach
Third Party & Supervised Visits
The Family Table (group session addressing family issues and skill building)
Anger Management
*DCFS clients should contact your case worker to request a referral to FACC. Community members should contact FACC to schedule an appointment.
General Services
Salt & Light Urbana
Hours: Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1819 South Philo Road, Urbana
Call: 217-355-5654
Available Resources:
- Warming Center
- Technology Center
- Secondary Transition Experience Program for Minors
- Disaster Assistance
- Narcotics Anonymous Community Meeting
Courage Connection:
Description: Individuals or families fleeing domestic violence should contact Courage Connection’s Domestic Violence hotline
Hours: open 24/7
Contact: 1-877-384-4390 or 217-384-4390 or visit https://courageconnection.org for more information. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Rape Crisis Hotline at 217-384-4444 is available 24/7. You can also find more information at https://www.cu-races.org.
To reach a mental health professional free of charge: Text TALK to 552020 for English service. Text HABLAR to 552020 for Spanish service.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline-988 (For Veteran Crisis Line Dial 988 then press 1):
Hours: 24/7/365
Description: Specialized intervention by certified crisis workers with advanced training in de-escalation and clinical suicide prevention.
The Salvation Army Stepping Stone Program and Daytime Warming Center:
Description: Stepping Stone is a transitional Housing Program which offers temporary housing for men, women and families who are employed full time and can be housed in 60-90 days. Individuals must follow the program guidelines of maintaining employment while housed. Individuals need to present as homeless and have homeless verification. If participant(s) meet the criteria for placement they must commit to working with the program. Capacity is limited, due to the availability of hotel space.
Contact: Please call 217-373-7832, extension 230 before referring.
Hours: The Salvation Army Red Shield Center on Market Street also serves as a daytime warming center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Capacity is limited due to space and staffing.
*For homeless Veterans needing shelter should call Pre-Screen line at 217-278-9897
Additional Daytime warming options include:
Public buildings, including libraries and municipal city, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours. (Please Note: there are more locations than the ones currently listed)
Champaign Public Library
200 West Green Street, Champaign
Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
US Internal Revenue Service
310 West Church Street, Champaign
Monday through Friday: 8:30-1130 a.m., and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Champaign County Court House
101 East Main Street, Urbana
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additional Resources
Cunningham Township:
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call: 217-384-4144
Location: 205 West Green Street Urbana.
Email: %20info [at] ctso.org (info[at]ctso[dot]org)
Website: www.ctso.org
For Urbana residents: provides General Assistance (income assistance) for those out of work or disabled seeking SSI, Rental Assistance for income qualifying residents within the city of Urbana who are behind on rent or needs move-in assistance, utility support for Urbana residents who are shut off and are ineligible for other programs, and food pantry deliveries for those who are unable to travel to a pantry. Serves residents regardless of immigration or citizen status. Hablamos Español. Parlons Frances.
Note: It takes up to 30 days. How many times can resources be used. If receiving cash benefits won't be eligible for general assistance.
Cunningham Township - Street Outreach
Cunningham Township provides street outreach services for residents who sleeping outside – including:
- Immediate Needs: food, blankets, clothing, toiletries; emergency shelter access support;
- Transportation Help: MTD, bus to family, transport to detox/mental health/medical facility;
- Housing Services: Link willing residents to go through coordinated entry;
- Links to other agencies.
City of Champaign Township:
Emergency Rental Assistance:
Applications may be picked up at our Township office:
Location: 53 East Logan Street, Champaign
Online: https://cctownship.com/apply-assistance/
Rental Assistance may be provided to households that have past due rent or deposit assistance for households moving out of homelessness. The program has a maximum grant amount of $800.
Eligibility Criteria: Household must live in the City of Champaign, must have a regular source of income and monthly rent amount cannot exceed 50% of monthly income or 70% if living with fixed income.
General Assistance:
Description: General Transitional Assistance (GTA): Is a program for mentally or physically disabled persons who absolutely cannot work. These individuals are single adults with no dependents and are applying or have applied for both SSI and SSDI. This program, upon approval, will provide a monthly stipend of $325 until the person is approved for Social Security payments or no longer qualifies for GTA. Applicants must reside in the city limits of Champaign.
For more information, please contact Dawn at 217-403-6123.
Note: Hours may vary depending on staffing. It takes up to 30 days.
Coordinated Entry-Centralized Intake for Homeless (CIH) Assessments: If you are experiencing homelessness and live in Champaign County, CIH may be able to connect you to a homeless assistance program that can help. Please send an email to homeless-services [at] ccrpc.org (homeless-services[at]ccrpc[dot]org) to inquire about CIH and to schedule your assessment.
To begin the CIH process, you will be asked to provide the following:
- Third party homeless verification (obtained from local emergency shelter providers and street outreach providers)
- Photo ID
- Social Security card(s)
- Birth certificate of minor child(ren)
- Disability verification (if applicable)
When a homeless assistance program has a vacancy and you are the next eligible household based on the prioritization established by the Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless, you will be referred to the homeless assistance program. Each homeless assistance program has individual and specific eligibility requirements.
Need help? Call 2-1-1 or 1-888-865-9903. 211 is a 24/7/365 information and referral service that covers much of central Illinois. TEXT 898 to 211
Community Resource Center at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Call hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 217-337-2635
Contact %20javaite [at] unitewaychampaign.org (javaite[at]unitewaychampaign[dot]org) or (217)352-5151 to add resources or make changes.
Emergency Management would like to be notified when emergency shelters or services are made available or the above information changes.
Contact Champaign County EMA at 384-3826 %20ema [at] co.champaign.il.us (ema[at]co[dot]champaign[dot]il[dot]us)