Social and Senior Services

ALWAYS CALL 9-1-1 IF YOU OR ANOTHER PERSON IS EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR MAY BE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR SOMEONE ELSE. ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCES ARE INCLUDED BELOW. 


2-1-1
Residents of McHenry and Kane Counties can call 2-1-1 for assistance in accessing a number of social services in their area.  2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, non-emergency telephone number that connects people with essential community information and services. 2-1-1 saves time and frustration through specialists who match callers to the right agency based on each caller's need.  The 24-hour line makes it easy for the public to navigate the maze of human service providers and help lines. All calls are free, anonymous and confidential.


Callers can get live assistance with needs such as:

  • Food and shelter
  • Counseling and mental health services
  • Income and employment support
  • Help for the elderly and people with disabilities
  • Resources for children and families
Call 2-1-1

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential,
and available 24/7.

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

Mental Health Emergency? Call McHenry County Crisis Line: 800-892-8900 or Northern Kane County Crisis Line: 847-697-2380

MCHelp is a free anonymous app that allows you to confidentially text or talk to a licensed mental health counselor. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reach out to get a text within minutes if you or a friend are struggling with any of the following or just need to talk: Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol or Drug Use, Relationship problems, Exams or School. Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Call4Calm Text Line is a text line created by the state as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Text TALK to 552020 (or HABLAR for Spanish), you will get a text back asking for the town where you live, followed by a call back from a local counselor.

Need help with Utility Bills? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).
Please see the following resources based on the County in which you reside.
   McHenry County: 815-308-6057 or visit www.mchenrycountyhousing.org/housing-programs/energy-assistance/
   Kane County: 847-697-4400 or visit https://cci-hci.org//affordable-housing-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program/ 
Expanded energy assistance may also be available through the Help Illinois Families (HIF) initiative, created to help reach families who have fallen behind on bills due to the pandemic. For more information, visit: helpillinoisfamilies.com

Grafton Food Pantry provides food items and education on nutrition and smart shopping, serving Huntley and Lakewood, and portions of Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake and Algonquin. Dial 847-495-0922 or visit www.graftonfoodpantry.org

Senior Services is dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life for individuals age 60 and older, the disabled and their caregivers by providing access to the social services they need. www.seniorservicesassoc.org 
Emergency Hotline: 800-942-1724
Crystal Lake Office (McHenry County): 815-356-7457
Elgin Office (Kane County): 847-741-0404

Turning Point offers a wide variety of programs and services for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, including crisis services, abuse intervention, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and trauma recovery. Dial 815-338-8081 or visit www.turnpt.org

McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition provides drug and alcohol education and resources for individuals, families, businesses, schools and community groups. They also provide referrals to those struggling with addiction. www.mchenrycountysac.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Highly-trained, expert advocates offer free, confidential and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education and referral services in over 200 languages, 24/7. Dial 800-799-SAFE(7233) or visit www.thehotline.org

Community Crisis Center in Elgin provides safety, hope, advocacy, respite and education for those impacted by crisis and violence in the Fox Valley Region in Illinois. www.crisiscenter.org 
Crisis Hotline: 847-697-2380
Office: 847-742-4088


McHenry County Resources
The McHenry County Mental Health Board compiles a Service Directory that covers many topics, including:

  • Autism services
  • Developmental disability services
  • Domestic violence services
  • Epilepsy & traumatic brain injury
  • Housing & homelessness
  • Mental health
  • Psychiatric
  • Sexual assault
  • Substance use/abuse
  • Veterans services

McHenry County Service Directory


Kane County Resources

Kane County offers a list of services for their residents on the county website.


Kane County Health ServicesKane County Services

Call  9-1-1 For Emergencies

Call 2-1-1 for assistance in accessing a number of social services 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 9-8-8

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255