Many community resources are available to the residents of Galesburg. The City has indexed assistance programs by category below as a resource for citizens.  Please click on each category for information about these services. As resources are provided by a variety of agencies and organizations, the information below may be subject to change, and each individual agency should be contacted to confirm any services.

Business Resources

Works with individuals and businesses to promote job growth, new development and a better quality of life for those in Galesburg.

200 E. Main Street, Suite 200
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-1194
Knox County Area Partnership
Supports the economic vitality and development of the region by promoting the health and growth of business.

200 E. Main Street, Suite 200
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-1194
Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Working with businesses to promote job growth and new development in conjunction with Knox County Area Partnership.  It also administers a variety of incentives to encourage a vital business community.

55 W. Tompkins Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309)345-3619
City Of Galesburg Community Development

Childcare Resources

The YMCA Before & After School Program is offered to students K to 6th grade in cooperation with Galesburg, and Knoxville school districts.  Their program is located at the student's school. 

1324 W. Carl Sandburg Drive
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 344-1324
Knox County YMCA
A private not-for-profit faith based childcare center that provides affordable high quality childcare for children 6 weeks through 5 years of age.

192 E. South Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309)342-4315
YMCA Early Learning Center
A full service early education and care center serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.  Offering full and part- time childcare and preschool as well as flexible hourly childcare for those who need occasional care or backup childcare for their regular home provider.  Also offering a day camp for school aged children during the summer months. 

849 S. Henderson Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-3014
Learning Connections of Galesburg
SAL Community Services (SAL) strengthens children, families, and individuals to build and enhance thriving communities. Through their programs, they provide high-quality early care and education in centers and licensed homes, child care referrals for families, training, development and support for early care educators and stabilization services.

Here in the Galesburg area, the SAL Home Child Care Network can help Illinois families find a high quality, licensed home child care setting to meet their needs, including flexible hours and smaller groups, and can offer child care assistance for families that qualify. SAL Home Child Care Network also offers free consultation and support to start or enhance a licensed family child care business.

3800 Avenue of the Cities, Ste. 108
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 764-8192
Home Child Care Network - Skip-a-Long Child Development Services
Assists parents/guardians seeking childcare by doing an intake of their needs and providing a list of childcare providers that meet the criteria indicated by the parents/guardians. A variety of services for childcare providers are also provided.

4508 41st Street
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 205-3070, (866) 370-4556 Toll-free
Child Care Illinois
County Office

Knox County Daycares

Day Care Centers
Knox County Day Care Centers

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) provides many services to benefit individuals, families and children including child care assistance.  Connect to the link below for the child care assistance information and application. 
IHDS Child Care Assistance

Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank
Loving Bottoms has partner agencies in Fulton, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mercer, Peoria, Tazewell, and Warren Counties that distribute diapers.

For more information call (309)297-4754.
For list of partners by county see:
Loving Bottoms

OSF Resource Link 
Serves children ages 0-18. Free service that provides case coordination services for families and their children. OSF Resource Case Coordinator will complete an assessment of child’s needs; along with the family, develop an action plan for services; make necessary referrals; and work with the family for 90 days, focusing on problem resolution. Coordinator can assist anyone in locating any social service program in the area to assist families.

OSF Healthcare 
3405 North St., Galesburg
(309)344-3161, ext. 64613
OSF Resource Link

The Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD)
This department leads the state's initiatives to create an integrated system of quality, early learning and development programs to help give all Illinois children a strong educational foundation before them begin kindergarten.  Please review their website below for available programs and information. 

Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development

Car Seat Safety
The Regional Office of Education #33 sponsors free car seat check events monthly from April through October occurring in Henderson, Knox, Mercer and Warren Counties. Contact Amy Fullerton at The Regional Office of Education #33.

(309) 734-6822 
ROE Car Seat Safety

Employment & Unemployment Assistance

Youth, Adult and Dislocated Worker Services include: referral to other appropriate agencies and services, comprehensive assessments and development of Individual Employment Plans, career planning, and job readiness training.Open by appointment only. 

311 E. Main Street, Suite 612
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-9832,  (800)548-8036
Knox County Workforce Office
Website that connects skilled job seekers to employers in Illinois. Job seekers can build multiple resumes to emphasize different skills and experiences.

IllinoisJobLink is free for workers and employers and can be accessed 24/7 online. 

Toll free (800) 244-5631
Illinois Department of Employment Security
A free employment program for anyone looking for work. Goodwill also offers a variety of classes that can help individuals get job ready, learn computer skills, train to operate a forklift, or strengthen everyday life skills. Free online courses on a variety of topics are also available.

2319 E. War Memorial Drive
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 682-1113
Goodwill of Central Illinois
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides a step by step process for applying for IDES Unemployment Benefits in a helpful question and answer format. 

Illinois Legal Aid Online

Emergency Assistance

Crisis Intervention Services 
A specialized program that provides crisis mental health screenings to determine a person's level of risk. Services are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

2323 Windish Drive
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 344-2323
(800) 322-7143 Toll-free 24-Hr Crisis Line
Bridgeway
Emergency assistance to families and individuals for rent, utilities, medical bills, clothing, meal and food programs, when funds are available including homeless motel vouchers. Must be a resident of Knox County.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm.
510 N. Kellogg Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 342-9168
Salvation Army Emergency Assistance
Safe Harbor provides confidential help to individuals who are experiencing violence in their relationships. Services include court advocacy, 24 hour crisis hotline, counseling, emergency housing and transportation, clothing and food among other services.  Please call ahead when possible. 

1188 W. Main Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-7233
Safe Harbor
Emergency home response services for senior citizens, age 60 or older and disabled individuals.  Also provides comprehensive care coordination, adult day services and housing placement assistance.

335 E Main Street
Galesburg, IL 61265
(309) 344-7388 or (800) 798-0988
 Alternatives For You
General Assistance is provided to Galesburg residents who are going through a financial hardship. General Assistance is designed to be a safety net after all other resources have been exhausted.

Emergency Assistance is financial assistance up to $500 to alleviate a life-threatening circumstance or meet an expense which jeopardizes employment. You can receive Emergency Assistance only once in a twenty-four (24) month period.

You CANNOT be eligible for and receive Emergency Assistance and General Assistance at the same time. You may apply for either General Assistance, Emergency Assistance or both, however, you cannot be approved for both.  Please visit their website for more information.  Applications are available in the document center on their website.

121 W. Tompkins Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-9059
General Assistance
An online database providing information for crisis calls, requests for information and referrals, and a safe, confidential place for people to talk to well-trained, non-judgmental, and caring volunteers.

Path Crisis
Prairie State Legal Services provides legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence, older adults, people with disabilities, rental issues, and immigrant survivors of violence and trafficking.  Their practice is focused on people with limited financial resources. 

311 E. Main Street, Suite 302
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-2141 or (800) 331-0617 Toll-free
Prairie State Legal Galesburg Office
For all disability-related issues, all disabilities, all ages, no cost.

39 N. Prairie Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309)344-1306
Stone-Hayes
Provides free legal information, legal forms, assistance completing forms, and accompaniment around courthouse. Located in the basement of the Knox County Courthouse.

200 S. Cherry St
Galesburg, IL
(309) 323-0220
Illinois Justice Corps
Knox County TRIAD for Senior Citizens works to improve the quality of life for senior citizens by providing the exchange of information between law enforcement and persons aged 60 or older. 
For more information (309)345-3733.

Knox County TRIAD
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can TEXT “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0.

Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a person sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.  Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with keywords such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services.

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Emergency helpline (800) 950-6264
Nami Illinois

Report Child Abuse
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services. To report suspected child abuse or neglect use the Online Reporting System; or  call 1-800-25-ABUSE in an emergency situation.

Report Elder or Disabled Abuse
Illinois Adult Protective Services. To report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an older or an adult disabled person, call the statewide, 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline:1-866-800-1409, 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).

Food & Hygiene Resources

SNAP/Food Stamps - Provides a supplement to the food budgets of low-income households. Recipients receive a "link" card to purchase groceries.

821 W. Main Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 342-8144  or (833) 234-6343
Application for Benefits Eligibility
Food pantry with non-perishable, as well as some frozen and refrigerated items available. Vouchers are given for milk and eggs to be picked up at local grocery stores.  They recommend calling ahead for prompt service.   Open M - F,  10 am to 3 pm.  Serves all of Knox County.  Home delivery options are available for those who are HOMEBOUND only. Please call for more information. 

876 W. Main Street, Suite A
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-7807
Fish of Galesburg Food Pantry
Food pantry available. Diapers and personal grooming supplies may also be available.

510 N. Kellogg Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 342-9168

Salvation Army Food Pantry
Food pantry is available. Hygiene products are typically available as well.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church
273 S. Prairie Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(815) 200-4911

Corpus Christi Food Pantry
Stocked with federal food commodities, ground venison from Hunters Helping the Hungry, and community donations.

Galesburg Office
313 E Main Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309)837-5115

Western Illinois Regional Council

Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women's Shelter
All meals are free and open to the public daily.  
Breakfast - 7 am, lunch - 12 noon, and dinner - 6 pm
547 N Farnham Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, (309) 343-4151
http://www.galesburgrescuemission.org/

VNA Community Services
Provides congregate and home delivered meal programs to seniors.  Please call to arrange for delivered meals.  Currently there is a waiting list for delivered meals.  
Noon meals available at 2 sites:
2262 Grand Avenue, Galesburg, IL 61401, (309) 342-1152
Bluebell Towers, 300 N Jefferson St., Abingdon, IL 61410
https://volunteernetworkonaging.org/meals/

United Way of Knox County
This program provides summer lunch for area youth at various Galesburg locations.  Visit their website for more information.
1215 Monmouth Blvd, Galesburg, IL 61401, (309)343-4434
office@unitedway-knoxcounty.org
https://unitedway-knoxcounty.org/

Knox Prairie Community Kitchen
KPCK provides congregate meals at First Baptist Church, 169 S. Cherry Street.  These meals are free and open to anyone in the community.  Must be present to receive a meal. Dinners are usually held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.  Please visit their Facebook page for up to date meal dates and times.
KPCK Facebook Page
Knox Prairie Community Kitchen, PO Box 1784, Galesburg IL 61402

The First Lutheran Food Pantry is available to the public on the 2nd and the 4th Thursday of every month from 1:00-2:00 pm, and the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 pm.  Items available include non-perishable, as well as some frozen and refrigerated items.   Personal and household products may be available as well.  There is no limit to the number of times a family or individual can visit per month.  Please bring photo I.D. with current address.

First Lutheran Church is located at  364 E Water Street, Galesburg, IL 61401  (309) 343-3176
https://galesburgfirstlutheran.org/

facebook.com/GalesburgFirstLutheranChurch
The Galesburg Downtown Depot provides pantry, hygiene, clothing & household items every Monday from 4-6pm.  No questions asked.
120 E Main Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 922-9422
Galesburg Downtown Depot Facebook

Housing & Rental Assistance

Knox County Housing Authority (KCHA) provides public housing for individuals, families, seniors, and those with disabilities. Homeless individuals are prioritized.
KCHA also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which is a rental assistance program that allows low-income families to rent from private landlords.
216 W. Simmons Street | Galesburg, IL 61401 | (309) 342-8129
https://knoxcountyhousing.org/
Emergency assistance to families and individuals for rent, utilities, medical bills, clothing, etc., when funds are available including homeless motel vouchers. Must be a resident of Knox County. Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm.
510 N. Kellogg Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, (309) 342-9168

Salvation Army Housing & Shelter Support

The Temporary Warming Shelter opens November 1, 2023.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Knox County Housing Authority in partnership with the Salvation Army will operate an overnight winter shelter in Galesburg, to provide refuge from the cold and a safe place to sleep for homeless individuals.  The shelter, located at 525/527 Iowa Court will operate from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, including weekends and holidays, from Nov. 1 through April 30.

In addition to  overnight shelter, staff will also connect patrons with referrals for services that support housing security, food and nutritional stability, drug and alcohol addiction recovery, and mental health services. During daytime hours when staff are present, Knox County Housing Authority will also offer the use of community spaces within their facilities as warming centers.

For more information, individuals can visit the warming shelter at 525/527 Iowa Court, the Salvation Army at 510 N. Kellogg Street (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), or call the Salvation Army at 309-342-9168.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority administers several programs to assist you in locating affordable rental housing that suits your needs.  This includes several programs which assist people in finding available rental units, subsidized units and other rental resources.  Please visit this website for a full list of programs.

IHDA Rental Housing Resources

Through a variety of grant programs, IHDA funds a network of housing counseling agencies to provide foreclosure prevention counseling, as well a financial coaching and pre-purchase counseling. Information and materials for each program can be found on their website. 

Foreclosure Prevention
Through IHDA's network of trusted partners, you will have someone with you every step of the way. By using an IHDA Mortgage product, they will ensure that you can afford the home you buy.

IHDA's mortgage products are ideal for borrowers who need extra flexibility or who have limited funds for down payment and/or closing costs, yet have the financial means to maintain monthly mortgage payments. Learn more about Getting an IHDA loan.
Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women's Shelter
Homeless shelter for men, women, and children. Men have a separate sleeping area in the same building.
547 N Farnham Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, (309) 343-4151
http://www.galesburgrescuemission.org/

Peoria Rescue Ministries
Emergency shelter for men. 
Will accept sex offenders but must be approved ahead of time.
601 SW Adams, Peoria, IL 61602,  
309-676-6416

Emergency shelter for women. 
6847 N. Allen Road, Peoria, IL 61614
309-689-0915
https://www.peoriarescue.org/

Habitat for Humanity of Knox County
Habitat partners with families to build or rehab homes.
(They have recently moved their office.  The new office is indicated here.)
808 S Cedar St, PO Box 467, Galesburg, IL 61402 (309) 343-2242
https://www.facebook.com/habitatknoxcounty/

Christmas in Action
Repairs homes of low-income elderly and/or disabled homeowners.
Applications available at both Hy-Vee Customer Service counters.
PO Box 136, Galesburg, IL 61402, (309) 343-8722
National website: http://www.christmasinaction.org/

Overnight Shelter 

The Knox County Housing Authority operates an overnight shelter in Galesburg to provide refuge from the cold and a safe place to sleep for homeless individuals. The shelter, located at 525/527 Iowa Court, operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, during the winter months (October - March), and 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily during the summer months. 

In addition to overnight shelter, staff will also connect patrons with referrals for services that support housing security, food and nutritional stability, drug and alcohol addiction recovery, and mental health services. During daytime hours when staff are present, Knox County Housing Authority will also offer the use of community spaces within their facilities as warming centers.

The Knox County Committee for Unmet Needs provides financial assistance for basic needs such as rent, mortgage and utility payments; home and car repairs; medication and medical care. Clients must first pursue assistance through all available public agencies before their need can be brought before the committee. Clients must reside in Knox County Illinois. Clients can only receive benefits once every 2 years, with a lifetime limit of: $ 1,000.

Please visit their web page for unmet needs for more information. 
Unmet Needs

United Way of Knox County
1215 Monmouth Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
309-343-4434
office@unitedway-knoxcounty.org

Internet Access

The Internet Essentials Program is a free Internet service for qualifying individuals. If you qualify for the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you may be eligible for this program provided by the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The Galesburg Public Library is partnering with Comcast to sponsor this service. To learn more, please contact the Reference Desk at the Galesburg Public Library at (309) 343-6118 or email reference@galesburglibrary.org and request a promo code that will be needed to apply.

How to apply for Internet Essentials
https://www.internetessentials.com/apply
Internet Essentials online application
https://apply.internetessentials.com/

City of Galesburg
55 W. Tompkins
Galesburg, IL 61401

Galesburg Public Library
264 W. Main St
Galesburg, IL 61401

Knoxville CUSD 202
Various school properties
809 E Main Street
Knoxville, IL 61488

Drive-Up WiFi Map. The interactive map provides drive-up WiFi hotspots with specific guest log-in instructions by site
http://illinois.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=23e8046edd2940bc8ad3ad1725e47cd0

Transportation Services

Located at the Amtrak Train Station, 225 S Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL, 61401. (800) 992-4618.  This is not a full service bus station and utilizes e-tickets only.  Riders must call ahead to ensure a pick-up.

https://trailways.com/bus-station/galesburg-il/detail/

https://burlingtontrailways.com/locations/illinois/
Life Line Pilots facilitates free AIR transportation  for passengers experiencing financial hardship with medical needs. Serves all of Illinois and other Midwestern states. Byerly Aviation, Suite 302, 6100 W. Dirksen Parkway, Greater Peoria Regional Airport, Peoria, IL 61607, (800) 822-7972
www.lifelinepilots.org

Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging
Aging and Disability Resource Center provides services including reduced cost motor vehicle registration by appointment only.  729 34th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201, (309) 793-6800, (800) 322-1051 Toll-free
https://www.wiaaa.org/services.php

Illinois Department on Aging
License Plate Discount Program (plates discounted to $24; only one vehicle per household can be discounted). Age requirements: 65 years of age or older by Dec 31 of the current year; 16 years of age or older and totally disabled before Jan 1 of the current year.  Toll free (800) 252-8966.
https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/BenefitsAccess/Pages/License-Plate-Discount.aspx

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP Energy Assistance Funds  (LIHEAP) at Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) is a government-funded program that keeps families and individuals safe and warm in the winter by covering a portion of the cost of heating their homes. Households from Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties in Illinois can apply through the WIRC LIHEAP program.

When to Apply
October 1st: October is a priority application period for households with one of the following characteristics. Households disconnected from their power or within seven days of disconnection of the service. 
       Elderly: At least one member of the household is age 60 or over.
       Disabled: At least one member of the household receives disability benefits.
       Young Children: Households with at least one child under six years old. 

 November 3rd: All eligible households can apply starting Monday, November 3, 2025.

The program year will continue until August 15, 2026, or until all funding has been exhausted. 

In-Person Appointment: You can request an appointment to meet a LIHEAP Specialist at one of the following locations on a set day and time. You can request an appointment by calling 309-837-2997. 
The WIRC Galesburg Office is located at 313 E. Main Street, Galesburg, Illinois.
Other ways to apply are listed on this WIRC webpage.  WIRC LIHEAP Application Process
It also includes other helpful information regarding your LIHEAP eligibility and the application process. 

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from the LIHEAP Program.  The income guidelines per month are as follows: 1 person-$2,265, 2 people -$3,052, 3 people-$3,838, 4 people-$4,625.   Please check with WIRC for income eligibility for households with 5 or more household members. 
General Assistance is provided to Galesburg residents who are going through a financial hardship. General Assistance is designed to be a safety net after all other resources have been exhausted.

Emergency Assistance is financial assistance up to $500 to alleviate a life-threatening circumstance or meet an expense which jeopardizes employment. You can receive Emergency Assistance only once in a twenty-four (24) month period.

You CANNOT be eligible for and receive Emergency Assistance and General Assistance at the same time. You may apply for either General Assistance, Emergency Assistance or both, however, you cannot be approved for both.  Please visit their website for more information.  Applications are available in the document center on their website.

Galesburg General Assistance Office
121 W. Tompkins Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 343-9059
General Assistance
American Red Cross - Quad Cities and West Central Illinois Chapter - Serving Knox County.
Families of military personnel can apply for financial assistance for a wide range of needs including but not limited to utilities, medical, and car repair. Red Cross also provides information and referral for other services for these families.

1100 River Drive
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 743-2166
American Red Cross
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends
This program provides energy bill payment support to those who generally do not qualify for federal or state heating assistance.  This program is managed by an Energy Assistance Foundation funded primarily through the contributions of Ameren employees and customers. 
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends

Customers with past due accounts
Eligible Ameren Illinois customers with past due balances can establish a repayment plan by making a 10% down payment. Starting April 1, most customers with outstanding balances will be required to pay 25% of the amount owed before they can establish a monthly payment plan. To establish a payment plan or discuss a utility bill, customers can call Ameren Illinois Customer Service at 1-800-755-5000, select 'billing and payment' from the menu, and follow the voice prompts.  Customers can learn more here. Ameren Payment Plans
Customers may also set up an agreement online by visiting Ameren Illinois and logging in to their account.
The Lifeline program in Illinois helps low-income individuals and households obtain local telephone or broadband service through a partial subsidy of monthly bills. UTAC also provides a partial subsidy towards the cost of installing a new phone or broadband connection for wireline subscribers.

312 S 4th Street, Suite 200
Springfield IL 62701
(217) 572-1272
Toll free Frontier Customers (800) 683-9793
Toll free AT&T Customers (800) 256-5378
Link Up Illinois
Universal Telephone Assistance Programs