How We Help

Respond Now helps over 14,000 families annually.

Respond Now enhances quality of life in south suburban communities by working to alleviate hunger and prevent homelessness for people at risk.

• We serve more than 22 Chicago south suburban communities.
• We keep over 125 families in their homes.
• We help more than 133 families with utility assistance.
• We prepare over 18,000 bags of food.

• We provide transportation for over 400 people to access services.
• We distribute hundreds of books and school supplies.
• We are volunteer driven, giving over 6,000 hours of our time each year.
• Your support ensures the mission is carried out everyday.
• 

Who We Help

Our neighbors.

The 22 communities Respond Now serves in the south suburbs are stricken with the highest levels of poverty and unemployment in all of suburban Chicago. Recent studies show that areas served by Respond Now have food insecurity rates as high as 48%. Foreclosure rates in our service area are some of the highest in all of suburban Cook County.

Many of our clients are the working poor with families. Some of our clients have recently been laid off while others live on fixed incomes finding it difficult to make ends meet.

View our client privacy policy here.

Programs

Respond Now is here to help.

We provide immediate, short-term assistance so families can meet their day-to-day needs and focus on looking for more long-term solutions. With the assistance of partners, donors, staff, and volunteers we strive to break the cycle of poverty.

We assist our clients through the following services: food pantry, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, foreclosure prevention, SNAP Outreach, Medicaid Expansion assistance, prescription medication vouchers, temporary lodging, transportation, clothing, Community Garden, books for children, Holiday Giveaway, and Back-To-School backpacks and supplies.

Housing Counseling and Supporting Housing

We provide housing counseling and supportive housing counseling and services to families and individuals facing hardship. Whether it's forclosure prevention, pre-purchase counseling, or rapid rehousing we help connect our clients with the information, services, and assistance programs needed to navigate their housing challenges. Each month we also offer Home Buyer Education and Financial Literacy workshops to help prepare new home owners with the information, skills to manage home ownership and a mortgate. *Please note that some downpayment assistance programs may require workshop attendance.

Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of Respond Now.

We operate with a large volunteer staff and gladly welcome new volunteers to help us serve our clients, fill bags in the food pantry, read to children in the Children’s Reading Room, work in the Clothing Closet, assist with general office work, help with computer tasks, or stock shelves. We also need volunteers to help with special events from time to time.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact
Anita Alvarado, Assistant Director, or call 708.755.4357.

Apply for General Volunteer Positions

“One thing I like about volunteering at Respond Now is that there is instant gratification. You help a client and you can see the results of your efforts right away.”

— Horace Lee, Volunteer

Donate

Thank you for considering a gift to Respond Now.

Your contribution will make it easier for someone to find a job, keep a roof over their head and receive enough food for their family, and will help people get beyond their immediate struggles so they can focus on thriving rather than just surviving.

We know you have many choices to give to charitable organizations. We ask that you remember Respond Now in your giving plans and donations. Help us help others live a life of dignity even during times of adversity.

Paypal
Justgive
iGive
Google Wallet (development@respondnow.org)
Consider a bequest to Respond Now

Or you may send a check by mail to the following address:

Respond Now
1439 Emerald Ave.
Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411

P.O. Box 215
Chicago Heights, Illinois 60412

About Us

Vital services such as food, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, prescription medications, clothing, and transportation are provided to families in 22 communities in the Chicago Southland. Respond Now is a United Way sponsored agency with funding from private donations, government grants, and corporate and foundation support. Respond Now is rated in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. It is a recipient of the Greater Chicago Food Depository Quality Performance Award and the Rotary Club of Chicago Heights Paul Harris Community Service Award. Respond Now is governed by a local Board of Directors.

Resources

These Support Services May also be able to Assist You.

News & Events

Find out more about Respond Now and news about our neighbors.

Respond Now publishes a quarterly newsletter where you'll find the latest updates and happenings with the organization. You can subscribe to our newsletter, or review the archive:

• 2015 —February, June, August, November
• 2014 — Winter

Our annual 5K Run/Walk for Hunger will be held September 2016. We've had hundreds of runners who've helped us raise thousands of dollars to fight hunger. There are many ways to participate – gear up to join us next year!

Contact Us