PATH Crisis Center (211) Resources for Central Illinois
Crisis, information, and referral workers can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year by calling 2-1-1 or send PATH a text at TXT211 (898211). If you are having trouble accessing 2-1-1, contact PATH at 1-888-865-9903.
- PATH Crisis Center's Homeless ServicesPath provides the following support services:
- Immediate support and intervention (e.g., helping people get into an emergency shelter for increased stability)
- Distributes blankets, coats, gloves, backpacks, sleeping bags, and hygiene kits to those sleeping in places not meant for human habitation
- Helps people get IDs, birth certificates, prescription assistance, transportation assistance, work clothes, and relocation to other cities or shelters when necessary
- Actively connects those experiencing homelessness to services they qualify for
- Assesses people experiencing homelessness to get on our Prioritization List for housing
- Makes referrals to housing projects that participate in our Coordinated Entry System
- Path Crisis Center Resource DirectoryPATH's online database is available to anyone looking for basic needs, crisis and mental health services, financial assistance, health care, support groups, etc.
- Clothing/Household GoodsPATH Crisis Center's directory of clothing and household goods assistance.
- Food ResourcesPATH Crisis Center's directory of food delivery, food pantries, food stamps and vouchers, and other food related assistance.
- Health/Medical/DentalPATH Crisis Center's directory of healthcare, including: dental, vision, sexual, in-home, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and specialize care.
- Rent/Utility/Financial AssistancePATH Crisis Center's directory of income support programs, rent and utility assistance, and other financial assistance.
- TransportationPATH Crisis Center's Directory on transportation, medical transportation, disabled transportation, transportation expenses, and repair assistance.
Identity-driven Services
- The Immigration Project Welcoming CenterThrough the support of grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Welcoming Center initiative will foster community alliances and support immigrant families and the local English Language Learning (ELL) population with non-legal needs.
The Welcoming Center hopes to serve as a one-stop-shop to provide immigrants and new Americans with vital resources and opportunities to build their lives here in McLean County. - Black Trans Advocacy CoalitionBTAC helps locate, provide and connect the community with transgender inclusive resources covering health, housing, employment and more to support your needs.
Other Resources
- Illinois Department of Human Services: Family and Community ServicesThe Division of Family & Community Services (FCS) helps Illinois residents by connecting them with many programs and services. Through the programs, services and prevention efforts, the Division improves the health and well-being of individuals and promotes self-sufficiency and integrity of families in Illinois.
- School Street Food PantryThe School Street Food Pantry provides food and supplies to currently-enrolled college and trade school students in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area who are experiencing food insecurity. The pantry is located inside Normal First United Methodist Church at 211 N. School St., Normal, IL. The church is immediately north of Milner Library which is on the Illinois State University campus.
- Legal Assistance from the Students' AttorneyFree consultations that provide input, answer questions, and help to facilitate the legal process.
- Prairie State Legal ServicesPrairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low-income persons and those age 60 and over who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them.
- MCCA- Mid Central Community ActionMCCA envisions healthy and self-sufficient families interacting positively with one another in strong, safe, and diverse neighborhoods to enhance the community while preserving the environment.
Selected books
Campus Aid, Grants, and Scholarships
- Illinois State University Financial Aid OfficeIf you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, please contact the Financial Aid Office to see if there are any other options available for you.
- GrantsGrants are gift assistance which means they do not have to be repaid. You will automatically be considered for need-based federal, state, and University grants when you submit your FAFSA, but others are available for students who have served in the military or are serving in the Illinois National Guard or those who plan to enter a high-demand teaching field.
- ScholarshipsYour grades, achievements, and activities during high school typically determine the scholarships for which you are eligible. Often, the organization or individual donor providing the scholarship wishes to reward or encourage certain characteristics or behaviors such as strong academic credentials, leadership or community service activities, or plans to enter a certain profession.
Financial Literacy
Videos about managing ones finances. Topics include taxes, investments, loans, and more.
Free resource designed for college students to learn how to budget and manage their money.
Budget tracker app
Resource from the University of Illinois Extension Office about money management.
How FAFSA works, what is needed to apply, specialized loans, and more.
Course from the University of Illinois Extension Office entitled "Credit Card Smarts."
Cooking on a budget shouldn't mean canned beans and ramen noodles night after night. Delicious recipes designed for small budgets.