Transitional Housing in Chicago, IL
Free & low-cost transitional housing programs for people rebuilding their lives in Chicago, IL
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Quick Answer
The Chicago area has approximately 55 transitional housing programs. Many programs are free through HUD, the VA, Illinois state programs, and local nonprofits. Programs that charge typically ask for $330–$1100/month or 30% of income. Call 211 for local referrals or the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) if you are fleeing domestic violence.
Chicago, IL Transitional Housing at a Glance
~55
Programs
Free–$1100
Monthly Cost
3–24
Months (Typical Stay)
7
Populations Served
Transitional Housing Programs in Chicago, IL
7 verified as of . Listing is not an endorsement — always call ahead; availability changes daily.
| Facility | Area | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
2750 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608 | North Lawndale / Southwest Side | 773-435-8300 | men, women & children, recovery + job training on-site, transitional housing referrals via DFSS 312-746-5400 |
3330 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624 | East Garfield Park | 773-722-0179 | housing-first, trauma-informed, dedicated bed + care coordination, entry via Coordinated Entry 312-361-1707, separate men's & women's centers |
4458 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60624 | West Garfield Park | 773-921-5290 | interim housing for families, veterans transitional housing, single men's program, workforce development |
2255 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649 | South Shore | 773-221-0300 | veterans transitional housing (VA GPD), interim housing for women & children, rapid rehousing, case management |
The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodgenetwork 800 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 | Uptown | 773-275-9383 | families & individuals, emergency + transitional shelter, serves people displaced by eviction or disaster |
3053 W Franklin Blvd, Chicago, IL 60624 | Humboldt Park | — | veterans only, 50 supportive housing units, part of 4-property Hope Manor network, on-site social services |
Contact for location | Chicago (two residences) | 312-655-7700 | confidential location, domestic violence survivors, women & children, intensive support services |
How we verify: every listing is cross-checked against the organization's own website plus at least one independent source (official directories, Oxford House, Illinoiscertification lists, or listing platforms) at the date shown above. Programs close and fill up — call before visiting. Facilities marked "Contact for location" keep their address private by design.
What Is Transitional Housing?
Transitional housing provides temporary housing combined with supportive services to help people move from homelessness or crisis situations to permanent, stable housing. Unlike emergency shelters (which offer short-term beds, often just overnight), transitional housing programs typically last 3 to 24 months and include case management, job training, financial literacy, counseling, and help finding permanent housing.
Transitional housing in Chicagoserves a wide range of people: those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, veterans, families with children, youth aging out of foster care, people reentering society after incarceration, and those in addiction recovery. The goal is always the same — providing a stable foundation so residents can get back on their feet and achieve lasting independence.
Unlike halfway houses (which are specifically for people leaving incarceration or in substance abuse recovery), transitional housing serves a broader population and typically has fewer restrictions. There may not be curfews, mandatory meetings, or drug testing — though program-specific rules vary.
Who Can Apply for Transitional Housing in Chicago?
Transitional housing programs in Chicago serve the following populations. Eligibility varies by program.
Cost Breakdown
Free programs: Many transitional housing programs in Chicago are completely free, especially those funded by HUD Continuum of Care grants, the VA (for veterans), or Illinois state programs. DV shelters and youth-specific programs are almost always free.
Income-based programs: Some programs ask residents to contribute 30% of their income toward rent once they are employed. If you have no income, you pay nothing. This model helps residents practice budgeting and saving for permanent housing.
Fee-based programs: Some private or nonprofit programs charge a modest monthly fee, typically $330–$1100/month. This often includes a room, meals, utilities, and access to supportive services like case management and job training.
How to Find Transitional Housing in Chicago
- 1.
- 2.
Contact Your Local Continuum of Care (CoC)
HUD funds a Continuum of Care in every community, which coordinates access to transitional housing. In Chicago, this is typically managed through a coordinated entry system. Visit HUD Exchange to find your local CoC.
- 3.
Veterans: Contact the VA
Veterans can access transitional housing through the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, HUD-VASH vouchers, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Call the VA homeless veteran helpline at 1-877-424-3838.
- 4.
DV Survivors: Call the National Hotline
If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, confidential). They can connect you with safe transitional housing programs in Chicago for survivors and their children.
- 5.
Contact Local Nonprofits Directly
Many transitional housing programs accept direct applications. See the notable organizations listed below for programs in Chicago. You can also visit a local shelter or community action agency to get connected with transitional housing options.
Transitional Housing Organizations in Chicago
These organizations provide transitional housing or can connect you with programs in the Chicago area. Contact them directly for availability and eligibility requirements.
- •Catholic Charities of Chicago
- •Heartland Alliance
- •The Night Ministry
- •Mercy Housing Lakefront
Illinois Transitional Housing Programs
Illinois funds transitional housing through the Department of Human Services (DHS) Homeless Prevention Program and the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program. Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) coordinates local programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transitional housing in Chicago, IL?
How much does transitional housing cost in Chicago?
How do I apply for transitional housing in Chicago, IL?
How long can I stay in transitional housing in Chicago?
Related Resources
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- Halfway Houses in Chicago, ILFor people leaving incarceration
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- Get Your ID in IllinoisState ID, birth certificate, SSN
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