Find alternatives to calling the Chicago Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Ignite
- 24-Hour Housing Helpline open to young people age 14-26. LGBTQ+ affirming.
- 1 (866) 803-8336
- Text: (312) 625-1858
- https://www.ignitepromise.org/
- The Shield of Hope
- City service run by the Salvation Army. Provides families in crisis an assessment, compassionate support, and a referral to the program that best meets their immediate needs, including living with family or friends, shelter or other temporary arrangement.
- (773) 725-1100
- https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metro/shield-of-hope/
LGBTQ+
- Center on Halsted LGBTQ Violence Resource Line
- Center on Halsted LGBTQ Violence Resource Line is the only LGBTQ-specific program committed to addressing violence against and within LGBTQ communities in Illinois. The LGBTQ Violence Resource line is answered during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and callers can expect a response within one business day. The line can provide callers with safety planning, information and referrals, personal, legal and media advocacy, public outreach and education, and crisis counseling. There are no fees for Violence Resource Line services.
- (773) 871-CARE (2273)
- https://www.centeronhalsted.org/ACE.html
- Gay and Transgender Hate Crime Hotline
- A hotline for legal advice, counseling support, and reporting hate crimes.
- 1 (800) 616-4283
- Lesbian and Gay Hotline
- Mental Health Hotline- Trained volunteer resource counselors assist callers to the Helpline by providing information and referrals, as well as support, counseling, and crisis intervention.
- (773) 929-4357
Mental Health
- Community Crisis Center of Elgin – 24-hour helpline
- (847) 697-2380
- En Espanol: (847) 697-9740
- https://www.crisiscenter.org/
- DuPage County Crisis Intervention Unit – 24-hour psychiatric emergency services
- (630) 627-1700
- Northwestern Memorial’s Stone Institute of Psychiatry – 24 hour hotline
- (312) 926-8100
- Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention (North Suburbs) – Division of NorthShore University Health System
- (847) 570-2500, press 0 for crisis worker
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Community Crisis Center of Elgin – 24-hour helpline
- (847) 697-2380
- En Espanol: (847) 697-9740
- YWCA Evanston – North Shore
- 24-Hour Crisis Helpline, The crisis line is operated by both staff and volunteers, including board members, community members, college students, stay-at-home mothers, and representatives from faith-based organizations, and serves as a 24-hour hotline for domestic abuse victims.
- (847) 864-8780 or (toll free) (877) 718-1868
- https://www.womenshelters.org/det/il-ywca_evanston_north_shore
- Zacharias 24-Hour Support Line (Northern Suburbs)
- (847) 872-7799
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- Alternatives
- Provides a 24hr crisis hotline for Chicago youth 11-17 years old that have been kicked out of their home or runaway. Will pick up the young person, work to resolve family conflicts or get them to a safe family or friend’s house; partners with shelters that normally serve 18-14 year olds and have them save a few beds for youth that need it. Also provides accompaniment and advocacy so that they can get other resources they need like their medications and government IDs.
- (877) 870-2663 (24/7)
- Office: (773) 506-7474
- https://www.alternativesyouth.org/
- Ignite
- 24-Hour Housing Helpline open to young people age 14-26. LGBTQ+ affirming.
- 1 (866) 803-8336
- Text: (312) 625-1858
- Non-Emergency: (773) 833-0025
- https://www.ignitepromise.org/
Elders
- Adult Protective Services
- 24-Hour Hotline
- 1 (866) 800-1409
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Chicago Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.