January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of poverty's impact and advocating for solutions. The month highlights the complexity of poverty and encourages individuals and communities to take action through donations, volunteering and advocacy.

Community Events

Period Supplies Drive with PERIOD.

From January 8–20, the library is partnering with PERIOD. and their Chicago Suburbs chapter to collect essential period supplies. All donated menstrual products will go directly to community organizations who serve the local community. For more info visit: https://period.org/.

A List of Most Needed Items

Food Drive with Faith Feeds

From January 21–February 2, the library is partnering with Faith Feeds to collect food items to support neighbors facing food insecurity. Unexpired non-perishable food items are the most needed food items. Common items needed are cereal, canned fruit and vegetables (no green beans), pasta, tomato products, peanut butter and jelly, as well as $10 grocery gift cards. Please do not donate items with glass. To learn more about Faith Feeds, visit: https://faithfeedsfp.org/.

Current Poverty in the U.S.: Key Facts & Statistics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 11.1% of the population—roughly 36.8 million people—experienced poverty in 2023. Poverty is measured in two primary ways: the Official Poverty Measure, which looks at household income before taxes, and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), which also considers tax credits, benefits, and the cost of necessities. Poverty does not affect all communities equally. Rates vary by age, race and ethnicity, and region, offering important insights into where support and resources are most needed. The following resources are local and are available for those in need, whether on an occasional or a regular basis.

Community Resources

How to Help

Most food pantries welcome donations of nonperishable food as well as monetary donations. If you are able, monetary donations are more effective as they are able to buy food at a lower price than the average person.

Faith Feeds: Local Food Pantry is open two days per week at the Community Resource Center on Rand in Palatine and several mobile locations. Click these links to learn more about donating or volunteering. Donate or Volunteer
Wheeling Township: Call 847-259-7730 or email GA@wheelingtownship.com with questions. Donations are accepted from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Supervisor's Office. A most needed items list is available at the Wheeling Township link. If you prefer a monetary donation, checks should be made payable to "Wheeling Township Emergency Fund, Inc.". Food gift cards to Jewel or Aldi in amounts of $25 or less are also appreciated.
Northwest Compass: Call 847-392-2344 or email info@NorthwestCompass.org to get involved at 1300 W. Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect.
Partners for Our Communities: Volunteers are needed for many services. Visit https://poc.news/volunteer to learn more.
Journeys and PADS: Opportunities are available at all hours of the day and can involve many different types of tasks to suit your experience, area of interest, and skills.

Shelter

Northwest Compass: 847-392-2344 After-hours hotel placement. 1300 W Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056.
Journeys | The Road Home: 847-963-9163, 1140 E Northwest Highway, Palatine. Open 8:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Services for individuals who are unhoused are based upon the person's last residence. All new shelter clients must pre-register in advance in person. PADS Shelter Program; Hope Day Center; Service Area.

PADS Sites:

Monday: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd. AH
Tuesday: First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton, AH and Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Rd, Buffalo Grove
Wednesday: St. James Church, 820 N. Arlington Heights Rd., AH
Thursday: First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 Euclid Ave., AH and Hope Community Church, 1250 Greenwood Rd., Glenview
Friday: St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., AH
Saturday: All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 Quentin Rd., Palatine and St. Alphonsus Liguori, 411 N. Wheeling Rd., Prospect Heights
Sunday: Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village and Holy Family, 2515 Palatine Rd., Inverness

Local Warming/Cooling Centers

Arlington Heights Police Dept. Lobby, 200 E. Sigwalt St.
Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central, Arlington Heights, 847-253-5532

Housing Assistance

Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt: Free legal assistance for Cook County residents.
- The Early Resolution Program (ERP) 855-956-5763 provides free legal assistance for renters facing eviction, small landlords dealing with eviction issues, individuals with consumer debt challenges or past-due property taxes.
- The Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program (MFMP) 855-452-2637 provides free legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. The MFMP is open to all homeowners of 1-4 unit residential properties in Cook County whose primary residence is in foreclosure.
Find a Housing Counselor: Enter your zip code and retrieve a list of HUD certified housing counselors in your area.
Illinois Housing Search: 1-877-428-8844 (toll free) Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Central. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY. A free, online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois. Search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate housing that will fit your needs and budget. Please check back for new and updated listings often.
Housing Resources: List of organizations that will help with different housing issues and needs.

Food Access & Assistance

Faith Feeds: Open to all at 1585 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Open on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon. They also have a mobile pantry. Click the Faith Feeds link for days and times. First-time users should bring proof of residency in the NW suburbs. 
Northwest Compass: Call 847-392-2344 or email info@NorthwestCompass.org to access the Food Connection Program at 1300 W. Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect.
We Got You Illinois: Provides a comprehensive list of food pantries, meal programs and food distribution partners, including hours and locations, throughout Cook County. Information about nutrition programs, including SNAP and WIC, is available.
Wheeling Township: Call 847-259-7730 to access the Food Pantry whether a new or past customer. Food Pantry shopping appointments are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Residents using the Food Pantry may return every 2 weeks.  Emergency Bags of food are distributed Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Following distribution of an Emergency Bag, an appointment for Food Pantry registration will be given.

Village & Township Services

Village of Arlington Heights Social Services Coordinator: Darren Brown, 847-368-5792, dbrown@vah.com
Financial Assistance
Wheeling Township Assistance: 847-259-7730. A place to begin when you are in need of assistance. Available services include general assistance, emergency assistance, LIHEAP (low-income home energy assistance), mobile dental clinics and much more.

Senior and Disability Support Services

Arlington Heights Senior Center: 847-253-5532. Recreational activities plus 8 senior service agencies are available including Catholic Charities and Northwest Community Hospital.
Catholic Charities: 847-253-5500. Services for seniors residing in Wheeling, Palatine, Barrington and Hanover Townships. Information and assistance, case management, elder abuse intervention, nursing home pre-screenings, chore services, advocacy, money management counseling and counseling referrals. Home delivered meal program: 847-797-5350.
Kenneth Young Center: Rolling Meadows, 847-524-8800. Services for seniors residing in Elk Grove Township. Information and assistance, case management and additional services, including home delivered meals, are available.

Health & Wellness

ACCESS Northwest Family Health Center: 866-267-2353, N. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights. Internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, behavioral health and obstetrics/gynecology among other services are available on a sliding scale. Prescription assistance program available.
Access to Care: 708-531-0680. Non-profit primary health care program. For those without health insurance or with a high deductible of $1,500 or more and are not eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Based on residency and income. Prescription assistance is available. A local doctor is assigned based on zip code.
Cook County Health/Arlington Heights Health Center: 3250 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 300, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, 312-864-0200. Medical services available to the community, including family and internal medicine, pediatrics and well-woman care.
Partners for Our Communities (POC): 1585 N. Rand Road, Palatine. NCH Community Nurse 847-776-9570 x1. Bilingual registered nurse provides chronic disease management and education, coordination of care and referrals.
Wheeling Township Mobile Dental Clinic: 847-259-7730. The Dental Clinic's mission is to provide necessary dental care to residents who do not have access to dental care due to financial barriers. Township residents whose income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for treatment. There is a $40 charge for each visit. Clients must register at the township, by appointment.

Employment & Financial Resources

American Job Center: 1400 South Wolf Road, Building 200, Wheeling, 847-484-8187, contact@bcsillinois.org. No appointment necessary.
Illinois Unemployment Insurance: Information about filing for unemployment benefits.
Illinois Job Link: Job listings that can be narrowed down by job title and location.

Library Resources

Jobs & Careers: Visit this web page for information about library services. Access library and online resources for job seekers, a community job board and more.
One-on-One Help:
- One-on-one resume reviews and LinkedIn help is available. Must be an AHML card holder. Schedule an appointment.
- Meet with a resume reviewer via Career Center from Tutor.com. Virtual meeting with a tutor for resume creation and review are available. Create a free account and log into Career Center and click Connect with a tutor now. Select "Job Help" to meet with a tutor. Tutors are available from noon-midnight. You can also upload a resume and/or cover letter for review. An expert will look it over and provide feedback within 24 hours.
Social Worker in the Library: On the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., drop in and talk with a social worker from the Village of Arlington Heights. The social worker will be able to answer questions and provide local resources and referrals related to mental health, government programs and benefits, managing stress and conflict, community programs and financial resources or if you just need to talk to someone.
Computers & Technology: The library offers free WiFi in its spaces. Computers, copiers and printers are available for use in the Tech Learning Center. Faxing and scanning are also available. More information here.
Workspace: 12 small conference rooms are available for quiet workspace, Zoom meetings and in-person meetings. The library has tables and chairs where you can use your laptop, use our databases and books and get a change of scenery.