Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
Recent News About Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
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Chicago Department of Family & Support Services announces details for annual Senior Fest at Millennium Park
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will host the 2025 Senior Fest on Thursday, August 21, at Millennium Park.
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Chicago announces largest-ever investment to upgrade citywide homeless shelters
Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced a significant investment to improve shelter infrastructure in Chicago.
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Chicago releases annual report on homelessness for 2025
The City of Chicago has released its 2025 Annual Homelessness Report, fulfilling the requirements of ordinance O2023-1011.
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Chicago conducts annual PIT count to assess homelessness
The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is an annual evaluation of both sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness at a specific point in time.
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Chicago announces changes to 'One System' shelter initiative amid budget concerns
The City of Chicago and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) have announced upcoming changes to the city's shelter system, known as the One System Initiative.
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Chicago's 'Day of Action' seeks continued federal funds for senior services
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is organizing a "Day of Action" event on May 28 to support federal funding for senior services.
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Chicago hosts citywide meeting on youth-focused community plans
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) have invited local leaders, stakeholders, and young people to the Harold Washington Library Center Winter Garden for a citywide meeting focused on youth...
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Applications open for 2024 Senior Advisory Council membership
The application process for the 2024 Senior Advisory Council is now open.
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DFSS releases mid-year impact book for 2024 under ARPA
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has released the 2024 Mid-Year Impact Book under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
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City extends deadline for 2024 scholarship applications
The City of Chicago Department of Family Services and Support (DFSS) has extended the application deadline for the 2024 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program to Friday, September 20. This initiative, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to distribute $230,000 in scholarships to eligible full-time students enrolled in continuing education or vocational training programs for the upcoming fall term. The scholarships are intended to cover expenses such as tuition, books, and other related educational costs as...
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Chicago expands emergency fund for gender-based violence survivors
CHICAGO — September 3, 2024 – Mayor Brandon Johnson of the City of Chicago and Commissioner Brandie Knazze of the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) have announced the expansion of the Emergency Fund for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Survivors. An additional $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been allocated to this fund, bringing the total investment to $10 million. This new funding will enhance the Emergency Fund’s capacity, offering a one-time, unrestricted $1,000 payment to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
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City of Chicago announces launch of 2024 CSBG Scholarship Program
The City of Chicago Department of Family Services and Support (DFSS) has announced the commencement of applications for the 2024 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program. This initiative, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will distribute $230,000 in scholarships to eligible full-time students enrolled in continuing education or vocational training programs for the upcoming fall term. The scholarships are designed to cover expenses such as tuition, books, and other related educational costs confirmed by the...
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Chicago sees rise in homelessness driven by new arrivals
The following report was written in compliance with ordinance O2023-1011, sponsored by former Alderman James Cappleman. The ordinance aims to educate and inform members of the Chicago City Council and the public on the city’s housing and homeless systems, providing recent data and outcomes to show progress using the Seven Principles for Addressing Encampments as a framework.
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Chicago announces $600K micro-grants for youth-serving organizations
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced the recipients of the City of Chicago’s My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) Micro-Grant Program today. SGA Youth & Family Services (SGA) will administer this inaugural program, which aims to support community-based, youth-serving organizations on the South and West sides.