Community Resources in the Illinois Valley


This page is updated as needed. Please contact us if you have recommended resources.

Mental Health Resources


Anyone can contact the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free by dialing these three numbers: 9-8-8.

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free and confidential.


Services in Illinois Valley:


  • Illinois Department of Human Services Substance Use Prevention & Recovery
  • La Salle County 708 Mental Health Board
  • Healthier La Salle County
  • Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments
  • Illinois Valley Counseling Services (IVCS): Located at 747 E. Etna Road, in Ottawa, and 901 Main St., in Mendota. (For more information, call 815-993-1614).
  • Calhoun Consultants: Located at 900 Hitt St., in Ottawa. (For more information, call 815-501-2888).
  • 7th Fire Counseling: Located at 218 W. Madison St., in Ottawa. (For more information, call 815-433-4829). (This is an addiction resource).
  • Arukah Institute of Healing: Located at 1916 N. Main St., Suite 3, in Princeton. (For more information, call 815-872-2943).
  • North Central Behavioral Health Systems: Located at 2960 Chartres St., in La Salle. (For more information, call 815-224-1610).
  • Wellness and Recovery with Maitri NFP: Located at 710 Peoria St., in Peru. (For more information, call 815-780-0690).
  • Perfectly Flawed Foundation: Located at 240 First St., in La Salle. (For more information, call 815-830-8675).

A comprehensive list of noncrisis mental health services can be found on the IDHS website.



General Domestic Violence Resources:


There are two national hotlines available for those experiencing domestic abuse:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474

The love is respect website and National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence provides more resources and information on what to do in cases of domestic violence.

The National Runaway Safeline is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).

The IDHS also provides hotlines and services for domestic abuse victims:

  • 1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
  • 1-877-863-6339 (TTY)

If you suspect a child is being abused, call the Illinois Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (22873).

A map of domestic violence services can be found on the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website.


Illinois Valley Resources:


  • Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance
  • Bureau County: Freedom House - Shelter and counseling for victims of domestic abuse. (Located at 440 Elm Place, in Princeton. 24-hour hotline: 800-474-6031).
  • La Salle County: Safe Journeys - A domestic violence and sexual assault service. (Offices located in Streator and Ottawa. 24-hour support: 815-673-1555 and 800-892-3375).

For those seeking help online: Computer and internet use can be monitored, and clearing history may not always work. Please use an outside computer/device if these are concerns.


Disaster Preparedness:


Disasters are unavoidable, and it’s best to be prepared if one occurs. If a disaster is life-threatening, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

National Preparedness Month is in September. Here, we’ve gathered a variety of resources for those in Illinois and beyond, including both national, statewide and regional options.

  • Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • National Resources:
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides resources on dealing with a plethora of disasters:
      • Floods: Chart flooding at NOAA’s website
      • Thunderstorms and lightning
      • Creating a family emergency communication plan
      • Emergency supply kit
    • The CDC provides resources on how to deal with natural disasters and extreme weather.
  • Regional Resources:
    • Ready Illinois provides volunteer opportunities as well as information on how to plan and prepare for disasters.
    • La Salle County: Emergency Preparedness
    • Bureau County Emergency Management Agency
    • Bureau, Putnam Emergency Preparedness Community Partners
    • Illinois Valley Fire District: Emergency Preparedness

School and Community Violence Resources:


Resources for people impacted by school and/or community shootings can visit Victim Connect Resource Center or Everytown Support Fund.

Individuals impacted by shootings can also call 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) to talk to someone.

Illinois School Shooting Resources:


Youth, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Resources:



COVID-19 Information:


As COVID-19 is not fully gone, certain safeguards are still recommended. Illinois has several resources available for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

It’s still recommended that people practice regular handwashing and wear a mask if feeling ill. Testing is also recommended if someone suspects they may have COVID-19. Rapid tests are available over the counter in most pharmacies.

Illinois Valley COVID-19 Resources:


Food Banks in La Salle County:


  • Shepherd’s Closet and Food Pantry (2901 N. Peoria St., Peru)
  • Illinois Valley Food Pantry (122 Wright St., La Salle) (815-224-3658)
  • Community Food Basket of Ottawa (725 Fulton St., PO Box 2386, Ottawa) (815-431-0155)
  • Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry (918 Main St., Mendota) (815-538-2211)
  • Streatorland Community Food Pantry (210 N. Wasson St., Streator) (815-673-3688)

Food Banks in Bureau County:


  • Hall Township Food Pantry (500 N. Terry St., Spring Valley) (815-663-2085)
  • Western Bureau County Food Pantry (Sheffield)

Blood Donations:


Blood donations are critical in helping patients of all ages, specifically regarding accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and cancer patients. More information can be found on the Red Cross website.

Information on donating blood within Illinois can be found on Illinois American Red Cross’ website and in the Illinois Blood Donation Act.

ImpactLife has a variety of blood donation centers across Illinois and the United States.

Blood Donations in Illinois Valley:

  • Illinois River Valley Chapter
  • Northwest Illinois Chapter

FDA Recalls:


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continuously updates a list of all recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts, covering food, cosmetics, pet food and more. More information can be found on the FDA website.


Additional Resources:


United Way:



Utility Assistance:



Employment Services:


  • Express Employment Professionals: Located at 2711 North Columbus St., in Ottawa. (For more information, call 815-306-0250).

Volunteer Services:


  • VolunteerMatch is a good way to find nearby volunteer opportunities.

Pet Food Assistance:



Pet Shelters:


  • Pet Project, Inc. (Located in La Salle County)
  • Illinois Valley Animal Rescue
  • Safe House Animal Rescue League (For Bureau and La Salle Counties).
  • La Salle County Animal Control (For more information, call 815-434-8661).
  • Bureau County Animal Control (For more information, call 815-879-5981).
  • Friends of Strays, Inc. (Located in Princeton).
  • 2nd Hand Ranch and Rescue (Located in Princeton; for all animals).

Other Pet Resources:


  • No Animal Left Behind (free microchips for La Salle County and Illinois pets)
  • Spay-It-Forward, NFP (La Salle County)
  • Bureau Valley Veterinary Service (Bureau County)
  • Princeton Animal Care Clinic, LLC

General Illinois Valley Assistance Resources:


  • Homeless Shelters: Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter, Peru: 1320 Menards St.; Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter, Ottawa: 1120 Canal St.; More information at IV Pads
  • Salvation Army of northern La Salle County
  • Salvation Army of Streator
  • Support for Single Parents
  • Senior Services
  • Housing resources and grants
  • In-Home Care resources
  • Senior Nutrition resources
  • Veterans Assistance Commission
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank