resources and FAQ
Below you will find printable resources that offer information about Fortitude and/or community services for the needy and homeless.
2020-2021 Shelter Schedule
Printable Resource Guide
for Kankakee County

Agencies serving homeless
If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the following agencies:
The Salvation Army
Kankakee County Community Services, Inc.
Catholic Charities Kankakee
ACOM
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
First, greet him or her respectfully as you would anyone else. Introduce yourself and ask his or her name. Ask them what his or her needs are.
You can give some food, some packaged granola bars, water, etc., or some fast food, or a little cash if you feel comfortable doing that.
If the individual is open to referrals, refer him or her to The Salvation Army. The Army is equipped to complete an initial screening and to make additional referrals if appropriate. Individuals can also be provided with the “Help for the Homeless” cards found above. For needs after regular business hours, weekends, or holidays, individuals can be referred to 815-546-3271.
First, greet him or her respectfully as you would anyone else. Introduce yourself and ask his or her name. Ask them what his or her needs are.
You can give some food, some packaged granola bars, water, etc., or some fast food, or a little cash if you feel comfortable doing that.
If the individual is open to referrals, refer him or her to The Salvation Army. The Army is equipped to complete an initial screening and to make additional referrals if appropriate. Individuals can also be provided with the “Help for the Homeless” cards found above. For needs after regular business hours, weekends, or holidays, individuals can be referred to 815-546-3271.
All veterans in need of assistance should be referred to the Kankakee Veterans Assistance Commission. http://www.k3countyvac.com/
Yes! We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
It is vital you first sign up to volunteer at any site. Volunteer numbers are limited to as not to overwhelm the site. Instructions on where to go for the site you volunteered for are provided on the sign up page. Visit the Volunteer page of this website for the sign up link.
There are many ways to support Fortitude! A significant amount of money is needed to maintain the shelter, so financial donations are always a priority. The street outreach requires donated items such as hats, gloves, coats, and hygiene items and our shelter is always in need of particular supplies. Please visit the Donate Now or Home pages for a link to our Amazon Wish List
We also need a number of volunteers! Check out our volunteer page to discover our volunteer opportunities.
If your church or organization would like to be considered for a shelter site or to provide a shelter volunteer team, contact Dawn at 815-546-3271.