Meals, Food Pantry, “Free” Store, and More…
Over the years our services have changed and expanded to include feeding, clothing and educating as well as housing. CCO has a full industrial kitchen and cafeteria located in Hannah Shelter. Our resident’s meals and food pantry are served from there.
Meals and Food Pantry
CCO has been working with the Greater Chicago Food Depository since we first opened our doors. Because of our partnership with GCFD, our residents receive 3 meals a day.
Over 274,000 LBS of food are donated every year for us to distribute to individuals who are food insecure, many of whom are senior citizens, on the North Side of Chicago.
Food Pantry – Wednesdays 10am to 11:30am.
Free Store
Many generous people donate all kinds of clothing, housewares, toys and other goods to CCO. These items are sorted and organized for our residents to go shopping at our Free Store.
If you would like to donate, go to our “Donations” page.
Please note the list of items we do and DO NOT accept.
Temporary Warming Shelter
The winters in Chicago can be cold and snowy and dangerous to those who have no shelter from the elements. During these times, CCO opens its doors as a warming shelter to those who are vulnerable to extreme winter weather. If you are experiencing homelessness and the weather is becoming dangerous please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital or police station. You can also dial 311 to get information about warming centers or emergency shelters.
Computer Lab and Classes
So much of everything we do is online and access to computers can be difficult for those experiencing homelessness. CCO has a small computer lab to help our residents apply for jobs, look for housing, take online classes, apply for assistance, and more.
Occasionally, amazing volunteers come to teach life skills classes, art classes, parenting classes, and all sorts of interesting topics to our residents.
If you are interested in volunteering, go to our “Volunteer” page.
Events for Residents
Experiencing homelessness is traumatic and can be especially disruptive for children. Because of this, celebration and fun are extremely important in this environment. Throughout the year CCO hosts a number of events and parties for our residents culminating in our huge Christmas extravaganza. Throughout the year we also partner with organizations like Fight 2 Feed and The Birthday Party Project to bring celebration and joy to those who are in a difficult place in life.
If you would like to partner with us for an event, go to our “Partners” page.