Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart Launches Community Resource Center

 Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart Launches Community Resource Center

In light of the impending evictions crisis and growing need for mental health, substance abuse, and other social service assistance, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has launched the Community Resource Center (CRC), Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
     The new initiative will provide linkages to community members, including those facing eviction and recently released detainees, in need of supportive services. Services include comprehensive mental health and substance abuse screenings, as well as direct connections to financial coaching, medical and behavioral health treatment, employment opportunities, and housing resources within their communities.
     The new program expands on the Supportive Release Center (SRC), a program developed by the University of Chicago, TASC, Heartland Alliance, and the Sheriff’s Office that provided temporary food, clothing and shelter for homeless and at-risk detainees, immediately upon discharge, at a location near the Cook County Jail campus.
     That program ended in May, but with the advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic which has left thousands of people vulnerable to economic instability and unemployment, while exacerbating mental health and substance abuse disorders, the Sheriff’s Office saw a critical need to serve as a liaison between social service providers and individuals who need assistance.
     Currently, the program will operate virtually due to COVID-19 concerns. Community Resource Center staff with expertise in mental health, substance abuse issues, trauma-informed care, and knowledge of other branches of the Sheriff’s Office, such as the CCDOC, Electronic Monitoring, Treatment Response Team, and Social Services Evictions Support Unit – will coordinate provision of seamless care to participants.
     The CRC has also developed a database of governmental and non-profit social service agencies offering a broad array of assistance, and will be able to directly connect individuals to community-based agencies that can address their needs.
     To contact the Community Resource Center the phone number is (773) 405-5116 and e-mail is ccso.resourcecenter@cookcountyil.gov

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Sydney Blaylock-The local skater with national experience