Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart launched on Wednesday a new Community Resource Center site where the public can walk in and secure assistance with a wide range of social services, filling a critical need in the community. The Community Resource Center (CRC) is open to anyone and helps individuals connect to mental health assistance, substance use disorder treatment, housing assistance, food, education, clothing, and employment, among other resources. Trained CRC staff serve as comprehensive service navigators by understanding the client’s problems, identifying solutions, and working to overcome barriers that often emerge in seeking help, especially among individuals facing multiple challenges. CRC clinicians will be available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2418 W. Division Street in Chicago, the site of a former city mental health clinic. Nearly 1 million people in Illinois with a mental illness go without help, according to Mental Health America. Moreover, nearly 700,000 people statewide with a substance use disorder don’t receive treatment, according to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. The community site will allow for more people to access CRC’s help and will particularly benefit those who work better in person instead of by phone. CRC staff will also continue to assist people over the phone and online. CRC staff may be reached at (773) 405-5116 and ccso.resourcecenter@ccsheriff.org. Those seeking assistance may also visit www.cookcountysheriff.org for an online submission form.