Victims and Survivors


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Victims and Survivors

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Mayor Johnson embrace

Community violence affects individuals, families, and entire communities. This trauma extends to victims and those closely connected to them, including family, friends, and partners. Exposure to community violence for children and adults leads to adverse psychosocial and health outcomes, which emphasizes the need for the City to support affected victims and communities.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) funds organizations providing victim services in 11 communities experiencing high rates of violence to mitigate traumatic experiences in the wake of a violent incident. Additionally, CDPH funds Chicago Survivors who provides victim supports to survivors of homicide citywide. Victim services organizations offer comprehensive trauma-informed services, including incident response and supporting impacted individuals through one-on-one interactions, support groups, and resource coordination. These services are offered confidentially and free of charge.


Victim Services

If you or a loved one has been affected by gun violence, there are supports available to you. Reach out to any of these organizations to get connected to trauma-informed care and support.

Community Area Organization Email Phone
Auburn Gresham Universal Family Connection info@ufcinc.org 773.881.1711
Austin Institute for Nonviolence Chicago info@nonviolencechicago.org 773.417.7421
East Garfield Park Breakthrough Urban Ministries info@breakthrough.org 773.346.1785
Englewood Universal Family Connection info@ufcinc.org 773.881.1711
Humboldt Park BUILD build@buildchicago.org 773.227.2880
New City Institute for Nonviolence Chicago info@nonviolencechicago.org 773.417.7421
North Lawndale UCAN info@ucanchicago.org 773.588.0180
Roseland UCAN info@ucanchicago.org 773.981.0747
South Lawndale New Life Centers info@newlifecenters.org 312.736.2466
West Englewood Center for New Horizons victimservices@cnh.org 773.373.5700
West Garfield Park Institute for Nonviolence Chicago info@nonviolencechicago.org 773.417.7421
Citywide Chicago Survivors office@chicagosurvivors.org 312.488.9222 Ext. 108

Services Offered:

  • Crisis intervention
  • Mental health supports and grief counseling
  • Assistance with funeral planning and arrangement
  • Assistance with applying for victim compensation
  • Benefits navigation
  • Relocation, housing, clothing, and food assistance

Eligibility:

Victims of violence and gun violence, as well as those who are close to victims, such as family members, friends, and partners are eligible.

For more information, visit the Office of Violence Prevention website.

Emergency Supplemental Victim Services Map

Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers remarks at the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund Expansion Press Conference at UCAN in North Lawndale; June 2024.

Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF)

The City of Chicago’s Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) pilot provides financial assistance in set amounts to survivors and their families to alleviate the immediate financial impacts of fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents. Launched in December 2022, the pilot's goal is to combat the immediate financial impacts and trauma inflicted on those who experience loss from gun violence.

To learn more and to find out if you are eligible, visit the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund website.