What it is
A door that opens at any hour
Emergency shelter is short-term, confidential housing for people who are not safe where they are. It is not a waiting room and it is not an institution. It is a place to sleep, eat, breathe, and start deciding what comes next with someone beside you.
Maxine’s Arms provides 24-hour emergency shelter services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. All residents receive immediate access to food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and safe sleeping accommodations upon intake.
The shelter maintains a confidential, trauma-informed environment that promotes physical and emotional safety for everyone staying there.
What you do not need
- A police report
- A protective order
- Money — every service is free
- Identification you cannot safely retrieve
- A decision about your relationship
- An explanation anyone would approve of
Why we do not publish the address
Confidentiality is a safety measure, not a formality
The location is never published
Not on this site, not in our metadata, not in photographs, and not in search listings. This is standard practice for domestic violence shelters and it protects every person staying there.
Arrangements are made with you directly
When you contact an advocate, they will talk through where to meet and how to get there safely. Transportation assistance is available.
Donations are received elsewhere
Please never bring donations to the shelter. Contact us and we will arrange a safe drop-off location.
Common questions
Before you call
Yes. Maxine’s Arms shelters individuals and families, and provides age-appropriate therapeutic support and trauma-informed activities for children exposed to violence or abuse.
Talk to an advocate. Threats to pets are a recognized part of abuse and a common reason people delay leaving. Advocates can look into safe-haven fostering programs in the community.
[SHELTER STAY LENGTH POLICY REQUIRED]
No. All services at Maxine’s Arms are provided at no cost to survivors.
Abuse happens to people of every gender, and everyone deserves support. Contact an advocate to talk about what Maxine’s Arms can provide directly and what can be arranged through community partners.
While you are here
Shelter is the beginning of the work, not the end of it
Crisis intervention and emotional support are provided to every resident during intake and throughout their stay.
- Individual counseling, support groups and mental health referrals
- Age-appropriate therapeutic support for children exposed to violence
- Case management, legal advocacy and community referrals
- Transportation and basic needs assistance
- Support securing safe housing and building economic independence
What to bring, if you can
Do not delay leaving to gather things. If you have time and it is safe:
- Identification and birth certificates
- Medications and prescriptions
- Protective orders or custody papers
- Bank cards and some cash
- Phone and charger
- Comfort items for children
Everything else can be replaced. The safety planning guide has a full documents checklist.
Right now
If you need to talk to someone right now
These are statewide and national services. They are free, confidential, available 24 hours a day, and none of them is operated by Maxine’s Arms. To reach Maxine’s Arms directly, call 773-243-5464.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Support for anyone affected by relationship abuse — including people who are unsure whether what they are experiencing counts.
800-799-SAFE (7233) Or text START to 88788 · TTY 1-800-787-3224 · thehotline.orgIllinois Domestic Violence Hotline
Illinois’ statewide 24-hour hotline. Call, text or chat with an advocate who can connect you to a program anywhere in the state.
877-863-6338 877-TO END DV · 240+ languages · the-network.orgStrongHearts Native Helpline
Culturally appropriate support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic, dating and sexual violence.
844-7NATIVE 844-762-8483 · strongheartshelpline.orgRAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
For survivors of sexual assault, by phone or online chat, routed to a provider near you.
800-656-HOPE 800-656-4673 · rainn.org988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support during any mental health or emotional crisis, by call or text.
988 Call or text 988 · 988lifeline.orgIf you are in immediate danger or facing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.