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Continue Thriving

As a community, we strengthen each other when we help our community thrive during tough times. To meet an evolving situations that requires various resources for our students, please check out the services and resources below. This page will continue to evolve as more resources become available, please check back often.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

Desmond
Tutu

Off-campus organizations and resources listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the organization by National Louis University. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of National Louis University.

To address these critical challenges, NLU has established an NLU STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND

  • Funds to cover lost wages through awards ranging between $500 or $1000 per student to help cover rent and food during the spring term so they can stay in school.
  • Scholarships to pay balances due for spring term tuition, allowing students to persist and, in many cases, graduate on time.
  • Coverage for emergency medical expenses.
  • Click here to apply and to learn more.

National Louis University has expanded its food pantry and launched a THRIVE resource page to connect students to community resources. Co-located with the Center for Civic Engagement, the NLU food and hygiene pantry is a part of the university’s Student Affairs division, designed to support student success and serve as a single point of contact by sponsoring programs and services. In addition we curate and leverage community resources in key domains such as housing and food insecurities, financial literacy, employment, and childcare/support for student parents.

Check out NLU Food Pantry and THRIVE CENTER

  • Locations:

    • Chicago Campus: 18 South Michigan Avenue - 5th floor, room 526

    • Wheeling Campus: 1000 Capitol Drive - 1st Floor

  • If you are looking for a food pantry, please visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food They are keeping careful track of what pantries are open, closed, or have reduced hours.
  • NLU has partnered with mRelief to assist students in accessing SNAP benefits. Students can find out more information about mRelief and/or find out if they are eligible to receive SNAP benefits by visiting nl.edu/mrelief or locating mRelief on your portal and NLU website.
  • Brave Space Alliance is operating a crisis food pantry for queer and trans folk in Southside Chicago, has a prioritization list among them the undocumented: Fill out this form for a request
Emergency Housing

If a student is based in Chicago and in need of emergency shelter: 

  • Calling 311 is the fastest way to access immediate shelter in the City of Chicago; they keep records of what shelter beds are open and available at different agencies around the city.
  • For those 25 and under, Aunt Martha’s has crisis lines and connections to youth-specific shelters. In Cook County, that number is (708) 679-8100. Anyone can call, whether in need of services for themself or someone else.

If a student is based in suburban Cook County and in need of emergency shelter:

If a student is elsewhere in greater Chicagoland:

    • Kane County: 
    • Lake County: 
      • 211 Lake County has referrals to shelters (as well as services across-the-board). 
    • DuPage County: 
      • DuPage CRIS has referrals to emergency services and services across-the-board, plus a helpline: (800) 942-9412. 
    • Lake County, Indiana: 
      • Indiana 211 provides referrals to emergency housing and other resources.

If a student is based in Tampa, FL: 

  • Catholic Charities operates emergency shelters in the area, and their phone number is 813-631-4370. 
  • The Spring of Tampa Bay operates emergency shelters for domestic violence survivors, and they have a 24-hour crisis line, 813-247-1050

 

 

Risk of being homeless or are you homeless:

  • Serving Suburban Cook County http://myentrypoint.org/
  • Chicago Family Support Services Rent Assistance
    • The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, directly related to the prevention of homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit: https://bit.ly/2UGTwIW

 

Rent/Mortgage Assistance

If a student is in the greater Chicago area and needs help with rent: 

If a student is based in suburban Cook County and needs rental assistance:

If a student is based in Illinois and needs rental assistance: 

  • The HANA Center has a fund that closes December 11th. HANA focuses on refugee and immigrant services, so immigrants and mixed-status households will be prioritized. 

If a student is in Will County and needs help with rent: 

  • If you have lost your job, you are not alone. Illinois has seen a huge increase in unemployment. If you have not yet applied for benefits, you can do so at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state's eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all 102 counties due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov
  • Cook county earned sick leave ordinance and covid-19 (FAQ): https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/cook-county-earned-sick-leave-ordinance-and-covid-19
  • Emergency Fund for Crisis Support to Survivors of Domestic Violence: https://bit.ly/2y8FhVA
  • Hospitality Industry Assistance: Another Round, Another Rally Fund
    • $500 relief grants for hospitality workers who lost their jobs or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak
    • To apply for a grant or make a donation: https://bit.ly/3ancD0X
  • ONE FAIR WAGE
    • Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
    • $500 relief grants for hospitality workers who lost their jobs or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak
    • To apply for a grant or make a donation: https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help
  • ALL NLU STUDENTS:
    • Students seeking counseling should leave a message to request an appointment at 312.261.3636 or 847.947.5656 or email counseling@nl.edu
  • From Governor JB Pritzker and the team at Illinois Department of Human Services a new text line for mental health support
    • The governor announced a free mental health text line called “Call 4 Calm.”
    • Text TALK to 552020. For Spanish calls, text HABLAR to 552020
    • Text UNEMPLOYMENT, FOOD and SHELTER to 552020 and you will receive information back to help you navigate.
    • You will receive a text back before anyone calls you. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the call, indicate that in your response to their initial text.
    • This is not a crisis line. It's a resource and support line
  • Ulifeline - This online resource has information about mental health, as well as a self-evaluation screening which does not provide a diagnosis, but identifies problems that could be impacting thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The screening process also provides information on these conditions and how to reach out for help.
  • Sanvello app - free premium access to this highly-rated mental health app that includes cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness.  “During this challenging time, Sanvello is a place you can go to feel better and meaningfully connect with others—anywhere, anytime.”
  • Illinois Warm-line - The warm-line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. We are here to serve you.
    Call: 866.359.7953
    TTY: 866.880.4459
    Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
  • National Crisis Text Line - Text "HELP" to 741741
  • National Veteran Crisis Text Line - Text "HELP" to 838255
  • Crisis Lifeline for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing Loss - TTY - Dial 800.799.4889
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 24/7 Help is available. Speak with a counselor today. Call: 800.273.8255
  • Ayuda Español  - Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda.  888.628.9454
  • 24-Hour Crisis Preventionfor LGBTQ Youth: Call: 866.488.7386 OR Text "HELP" to 678678
  • 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline - For those who are worried about quarantining during #COVID-19 in home where they do not feel safe, live help is available through the IL Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 in English & Spanish. Call or text 877.863.6338

If you have federal student loans, student loan relief will bring the interest rate down to zero and suspend payments through January 31, 2022, with no penalty.

1. Stop paying your federal student loans through January 31, 2022

That’s not a typo. You can stop paying your federal student loans through January 31, 2022.

What This Means: This means that you have the option to stop paying your federal student loans. If you choose this option (and you don’t have to), you will not face any penalties or late fees.

What This Doesn’t Mean: This doesn’t mean you can stop paying all your student loans. Remember, this is only for federal student loans that are owned by government agencies such as Direct Loans. However, this does not include private student loans or FFEL Loans.

2. Pay no interest on federal student loans

What This Means: This is not a typo either. Through January 31, 2022, no interest will accrue on your federal student loans. This means that for this period, the interest rate will be set to 0% and no new interest will accrue on your federal student loan balance.

What This Does Not Mean: This only applies to federal student loans only, not private student loans or FFEL Loans.

3. Student loan debt collection has been halted

What This Means: This means that wages, tax refunds and Social Security benefits will not be garnished during this period to pay for federal student loans.

What This Doesn’t Mean: This does not mean the federal government is forgetting about student loan debt that is in default. Rather, the federal government has suspended student loan debt collection during this period.

4. Pausing student loan payments won't negatively impact your payments for student loan forgiveness

What This Means: If you choose to pause federal student loan payments during this period, the federal government will still count these “payments” (even if you don’t make any) as part of any required federal student loan forgiveness program, including public service loan forgiveness.

What This Doesn’t Mean: This doesn’t mean that you will hurt your chances to qualify for public service loan forgiveness because the 120 payments do not need to be consecutive.

5. If I don't have to make federal student loan payments, is the federal government paying my student loans for me?

No. Your federal student loan balance will not change. Consider this a break from student loan payment. However, no one is paying your federal student loans during this period.

6. Is all my federal student loan interest being waived?

No, your existing federal student loan interest will remain. The only portion that is being waived is new student loan interest that would have accrued on your federal student loans through January 31, 2022.

7. Can I still make federal student loan payments if I want to?

Yes, you can still make federal student loan payments. Even though your interest rate is 0%, your monthly student loan payment unfortunately will not be lower. Rather, your student loan payment can help pay off your existing student loan balance (since there is no new interest accrual).

  • Get an update from NILC on access to healthcare for immigrants and their families
  • UndocuScholars created an extensive list of nationwide resources for undocumented Communities facing COVID-19
  • Brave Space Alliance is operating a crisis food pantry for queer and trans folk in Southside Chicago, has a prioritization list among them the undocumented: Fill out this form for a request
  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights created an infographic about DACA and unemployment insurance in Illinois. 

Below are several resources available to NLU employees and their family regarding COVID-19. If you have specific questions about your benefits here at NLU, please email benefits@nl.edu. You can also access your own benefits information through your www.NLUBenefits.com account.

DirectPath is here to help

NLU has partnered with DirectPath, a confidential, no-cost resource to answer your questions about coronavirus. Call DirectPath's COVID-19 employee help line at (888) 613-0231. For more information, see these FAQs: https://go.directpathhealth.com/COVID19

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois

For testing to diagnose COVID-19 (when medically necessary and consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance) our plan will not require prior authorization and no co-pays or deductibles will apply. Members should always call the number on their ID card for answers to thier specific benefit questions.

  • Blue Cross is currently expanding coverage of telehealth "virtual visits" services
  • Prescription Refills: Blue Cross has temporarily lifted restrictions on getting early fills of prescription drugs for members. Please contact your pharmacy directly to ask for an early fill.

Discovery Benefits - Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

During this COVID-19 crisis, the IRS regulations support an election change to stop/change your dependent care election for the reminder of 2020. Please email/contact HR at benefits@nl.edu to request the election change form.

Perspectives, Employee Assistance Program

Our employee assistance program (EAP) through Perspectives, provides support, counseling and resources for life issues that can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing or take time away from the things you value most, like work and family. Services are confidentia, no cost to you and available when you need them.

Perspectives also offers Online Learning with Skills Builder and webinars to help working remotely.

www.perspectivesltd.com

Username: NAT501
Password: perspectives

If you do not have medical insurance - Resources from the City of Chicago

There are approximately 165 Communicty Health Centers (CHCs) throughout the city of Chicago, so find one that is clsoe to you. You can find your nearest CHC at www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

General Human Resources Services

Human Resources Team (847) 947-5275
hr@nl.edu | benefits@nl.edu 

Benefits Membership Services Numbers

Blue Cross & Blue Shield
HMO medical/Rx (800) 260-6839
PPO medical/Rx (800) 892-2268

MetLife
Dental
(800) 942-0854

EyeMed
Vision
(866) 800-5457

Discovery Benefits
Health/dependent care flexible spending
(866) 541-3399

HSA Bank
Health Savings Account
(855) 731-5220

Perspectives, Ltd.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
(800) 456-6327

Access you own benefits through your www.NLUBenefits.com account

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