Winter 2024 Important Information:

Resources for Downtown Oak Park Visitors & Merchants

Homelessness can strike anyone. Right now in the U.S., many people are one rent payment away from potentially being on the street. Nationally, there is currently a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for our nation’s 10.8 million plus extremely low-income families.

When you are experiencing homelessness, it affects a person’s dignity. The stress is high; you are in survival mode in part because of the lack of life’s basics: shelter, food, income, support.

Similarly, people panhandle for various reasons. It could be a loss of a job or other income source, mental health struggles, substance abuse, systemic failings, or family issues, to list a few, that make panhandling the most viable option for income. It is important to note the distinction between the unhoused population and the panhandling population, as many panhandlers are not unhoused and many unhoused individuals do not panhandle.

In partnership with the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance is actively working to offer options and outline resources for those in need, as well as patrons of Downtown Oak Park to provide a safe and inviting environment for everyone in our downtown district.

We urge you to treat people with compassion and dignity, which is why we have collected the resources below to help residents, businesses and those experiencing homelessness or panhandling in our community offer or find services to support those in need.

Public restrooms are available in Austin Gardens. Additionally, portable restrooms are currently located on North Blvd near Maple Ave.

So, what do you do if someone is in need of immediate assistance?

For street outreach, call: 877-426-6515 or Email: outreachteam@housingforward.org. The Housing Forward Street Outreach Team works with those on the streets each day, and can assist with getting help for the individual.

If an individual appears to be experiencing a medical emergency, such as a drug overdose, please contact 911 for medical assistance.

If an individual appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact Thrive Counseling Center at 708-383-7500, option 1. They are available 24/7, every day of the year.

For Visitors to Downtown Oak Park

If you are approached by someone panhandling or experiencing homelessness, please remember we are all human. Know that kindness, dignity and compassion are most important. Having a conversation with someone can be a simple and helpful act of kindness.

If you are asked for cash, it’s okay to politely decline. You could say “Sorry, I don’t have any money” or “I don’t carry cash” and provide a statement of encouragement and/or offer information on local resources.

While it may be uncomfortable in the moment to decline direct giving, it is helpful to remember that giving directly to panhandlers often perpetuates the cycle that keeps that individual from utilizing the many services available in our area for housing, food, mental health support, etc.

If you want to help the unhoused community in our area, options include:

  • Present the person with a resource card, which provides a range of services available to help with homelessness and mental health, substance abuse and financial issues. Resource cards are available at the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance office.
  • Donate or volunteer with one of numerous organizations in Oak Park, including Beyond Hunger, Housing Forward and the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition. By volunteering, and sharing that information, it is a reminder that you are working toward systemic change to end homelessness by making it rare, brief and one time.
  • For outreach, resources, or referrals, contact the Suburban Cook Call Center at 877-426-6515 or Email: outreachteam@housingforward.org. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

It is important to remember panhandling is legal in Illinois. However, if the panhandler’s behavior becomes aggressive, harassing, or involves other illegal activity, please contact authorities.

  • For situations involving criminal or unsafe behavior, you can contact the Oak Park Police Department by calling 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line at 708-386-3800.
  • For anyone dealing with a mental health crisis, contact Thrive Counseling Center at 708-383-7500, option 1. They are available 24/7, every day of the year.

For Businesses in Downtown Oak Park

If someone is loitering or panhandling on private property, you can kindly ask them to leave.

Consider getting pocket resource cards to hand out in your business, both for customers or for individuals you encounter who may need to be connected to services.

Resource Cards are available at the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance office. You can also email aramirez@a5inc.com to request a set of cards or print online at endhomelessnessoakpark.com/resources.

For street outreach, resources or referrals contact the Suburban Cook Call Center at 877-426-6515 or email outreachteam@housingforward.org. Open Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

For situations involving criminal or unsafe behavior, you can contact the Oak Park Police Department by calling 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line at 708-386-3800.

For anyone dealing with a mental health crisis, contact Thrive Counseling Center at 708-383-7500, option 1. They are available 24/7, every day of the year.

What to do if personal items have been left behind:

Items in public way (such as a sidewalk, bench, etc.) – Call the Village of Oak Park Public Works Department – 708.358.5700.

Items on private property (such as your store’s alcove, doorway, etc.) – Contact your property owner or property management company.