The Complete Guide for African & Caribbean Families in Chicago (2026)
Yado Community Resource Center · Chicago
A free community guide from Ubuntu by Yado · Last verified September 2026
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WELCOME TO CHICAGO
Everything African & Caribbean families need to settle in and thrive in Chicago, in one place.
Free help, legal services, food and housing help, jobs and English classes, community and culture. Updated by the Yado team on 87th Street.
Need help today? Shelter or rent emergency: 311 · Local help for anything: 211 · Crisis support, 24/7: 988 · Immediate danger: 911
Start Here
Jobs, English & Education
| Free English (ESL), GED and adult education: City Colleges of Chicago offers free adult education classes. ccc.edu |
| Job help and training: the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership runs free career centers across the city. chicookworks.org |
| ESL, citizenship and job help for immigrants and refugees: United African Organization, Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago and RefugeeOne (see our immigration guide for details). |
| Free and low-cost child care (ages 0–5): Chicago Early Learning Hotline, 312-229-1690. |
Health & Wellbeing
| Medical card (Medicaid): apply at abe.illinois.gov or call 1-800-843-6154. |
| Cook County Health: public hospitals and community clinics for Cook County residents. cookcountyhealth.org |
| Mental health support: call or text 988 anytime, or the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264 (Mon–Fri). |
| Domestic violence (24/7): (877) 863-6338. Apna Ghar serves immigrant and refugee survivors. |
Community & Culture
| United African Organization: a coalition of African community organizations in Illinois, 6042 S Indiana Ave. uniteafricans.org |
| African Festival of the Arts: Labor Day weekend in Washington Park, one of the country's biggest celebrations of African and diaspora culture. |
| Free city events: World Music Festival (late Sept–early Oct) and Open House Chicago (mid-October) are free every year. |
A Taste of Home in Chicago
 Where to Get Fufu & Egusi |
 Party Jollof Recipe |
 All Chicago Guides |
ABOUT UBUNTU BY YADO
"I am because we are." Ubuntu by Yado is our way of giving back to the families who make Yado home. This free guide lists public resources only; Yado is not affiliated with these organizations and this is not legal or medical advice. Please call ahead, since programs change. Know a resource we should add? Email info@yadomarket.com.
Yado African & Caribbean Market · 1651 E 87th St, Chicago · Groceries, herbal favorites and beauty essentials from home, with free pickup and local delivery. Visit the store
Sources: Cook County: Organizations Serving Immigrants & Refugees · City of Chicago: Resources for Residents · Chicago Coalition for the Homeless