COVID-19 Updates

Communications

Click the headlines below to review our recent communications to HT families regarding our response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. To learn more about our e-learning program, click here.

For information on emergency financial assistance to help with tuition payments, click here.

Resources for Families

Below are free and low-cost resources available to you.

• COVID-19
  • How to Protect Yourself and Your Family – CDC
  • What to Do If You Are Sick – CDC
• General Resources & Information
  • City of Chicago Resources
  • Illinois Dept. of Human Services: Cash, SNAP and Medical Assistance
  • Illinois Childcare Resources 
• Financial Relief
  • Illinois Unemployment Benefits
  • Organizations that can help support those looking for work are Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.
  • One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers, and more.
  • Please visit this link for more information on unemployment assistance and companies that are hiring essential workers or work-from-home positions.
• Food Assistance Guide
  • CPS Meal Pick-Up Locations: Receive 3 student breakfasts and lunches at a time.
  • Big Shoulders Fund schools distributing meals to students
  • Find a food pantry, soup kitchen, mobile food distribution, or shelter in Cook County
  • Contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository for help applying for SNAP and other public benefits.
  • Several restaurants around Chicago are offering meal kits and grocery pick up for service workers affected by COVID-19.
• Housing
  • Chicago’s Rental Assistance Program 
  • The Cook County Sheriff has announced that he will not be enforcing eviction proceedings at this time. 
  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency is offering hardship programs for homeowners with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. 
  • ShelterList provides a directory of shelters that offer assistance to the homeless.
  • The City of Chicago’s  Community Service Centers can help with a wide range of resources, including shelter, food, clothing, and job training.
• Utilities
  • The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an emergency order for all private water, electric, and natural gas utilities in Illinois (including People’s Gas and ComEd) to suspend service disconnections, waive late-payment penalties, and implement temporary flexible credit and payment procedures.
  • The City of Chicago is temporarily suspending debt collection, ticketing, and towing practices to provide debt relief through April 30 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Illinois’ Secretary of State has issued an order that suspends the expiration and renewal of driver’s licenses, ID’s, permits, vehicle registrations, and parking stickers.
  • People’s Gas and ComEd, have suspended service disconnections and late fee collections for at least 60 days. If you find yourself unable to pay your bills, contact your service provider.
  • Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans
• Educational Resources
  • NACAC College Admission Status Update During the Coronavirus Outbreak
  • Cappex: College admissions, ACT, and SAT updates
  • Chicago Public Library online resources (Don’t have a library card yet? Apply for an eCard.)
  • Become an Ivy Leaguer and take complimentary courses at some of the top schools in the nation.
  • DePaul University’s Center for Access and Attainment offers free essay editing services for high school students. 
• Morale-Boosters
  • YMCA Workout Videos (Free) 
  • Enjoy live concerts from the comfort of your home. See who’s playing here and here.
  • Visit museums across the world.
  • Check out live streams of all kinds of animals from zoos, aquariums, and other humane animal organizations.
  • Big Shoulders has compiled a list of mental health resources offering free supports for you and your family. Resources include guided meditations, virtual counseling, online peer support groups, and how to talk to
    your children about COVID-19.