Use this guide for a client who needs a place to sleep tonight. Call the emergency shelter providers first and confirm intake instructions and bed availability before sending the client. If no bed is available, call 2-1-1 and request other emergency shelter options serving Will County.
** Important: Shelter beds, hours, eligibility, and intake locations can change. A referral does not guarantee placement! **
Emergency Shelter Options:
· Daybreak Center – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet
611 E. Cass Street, Joliet, IL 60432
815-774-4663
https://catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/
Emergency shelter and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. Ask about current shelter availability, family intake, and referrals to additional housing programs.
· MorningStar Mission Ministries
350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, IL 60433
815-722-5780
https://morningstarmission.org/
Shelter and supportive services, including food and recovery-related support. Call to ask about the appropriate program, eligibility, and current intake procedures.
· Grundy Area PADS
Morris and surrounding Grundy County (call for current intake location)
815-942-3245
Seasonal shelter and related services in neighboring Grundy County. Call to confirm current seasonal operations, location, eligibility, and availability.
Housing Placement & Homelessness System:
· Will County Center for Community Concerns
2455 Glenwood Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435\
815-722-0722
Ask about coordinated entry, housing navigation, homelessness case management, and available housing assistance. Confirm current intake hours before visiting.
· Will County Continuum of Care
Will County service area
Call 2-1-1 or use the website to locate current coordinated-entry access
Regional homelessness response network. Ask for a coordinated-entry assessment and local housing referrals. Coordinated entry does not guarantee an immediate shelter bed.
· 211 Illinois / United Way Referral Service
Phone-based referral service
Dial 2-1-1
Referrals for emergency shelter, food, rental assistance, utility help, and other local resources. Ask specifically about currently available beds in Joliet and Will County.
Specialized Shelter & Housing Resources:
· Guardian Angel Community Services – Domestic Violence Services
168 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432 (call before visiting)
24-hour hotline: 815-729-1228
Confidential crisis support, safety planning, and shelter referrals for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse. Call the hotline for safe intake instructions.
· Hope Manor Joliet – Veterans' Supportive Housing
1331 Eagle Street, Joliet, IL 60432
312-564-2345
Supportive housing for eligible veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Call to confirm eligibility, referral requirements, and current openings.
· Housing Authority of Joliet
6 S. Broadway Street, Joliet, IL 60436
815-727-0611
Information about public housing and subsidized housing programs. This is not an emergency overnight shelter; ask about application status and current availability.
Basic Needs & Legal Assistance:
· The Salvation Army – Joliet
Call to confirm current service location
815-726-4834
May provide food, clothing, emergency assistance, and referrals depending on current funding and eligibility. Call before visiting.
· Spanish Community Center
Joliet, Illinois (call to confirm current location)
815-727-3683
https://www.spanishcenter.org/
Community support and referrals to local services. Ask about current programs and language assistance.
· Prairie State Legal Services
Joliet / Will County service area
815-727-5123
Legal assistance for eligible low-income residents, including certain housing and eviction matters. Services depend on eligibility and case type.
Suggested Referral Procedure:
1. Immediate shelter need: Call Daybreak Center (815-774-4663) and MorningStar Mission (815-722-5780). Ask about same-day availability, intake cutoff, required documents, and transportation.
2. If no bed is available: Dial 2-1-1 and request other emergency shelter providers serving Joliet and Will County.
3. Longer-term housing: Contact Will County Center for Community Concerns and ask how to access coordinated entry and housing assessment.
4. Specialized circumstances: Tell the referral worker if the client has children, is a veteran, has accessibility needs, or needs confidential domestic violence services.
5. Document the referral: Record the date/time, agency, staff member (if provided), availability, instructions, and follow-up steps.
6. Client Intake Preparation Checklist:
· Photo identification, if available
· Social Security card or number, if available
· Birth certificates or documents for children, if applicable
· Medication and essential medical information
· A phone number or another way to receive callbacks
· Information about household members and immediate safety needs
· Benefits, income, insurance, or other relevant paperwork
Do not delay contacting a shelter just because documents are missing. Ask the intake staff what is required and whether alternative documents are accepted.