Food Pantries

COOL operates two Food Pantries in Lake County serving residents of Lake and McHenry County. Pantry visitors receive a four day emergency supply of groceries based on family size – enough food to make 12 balanced meals.  Visitors can return once every 30 days if need continues.  Proof of identity is requested for every household member.

COOL Food Pantries serve food to over 3000 people each month. The pantries stock items for those with special dietary needs including sugar-free items, gluten-free, low salt, and baby items.  Limited emergency supplies of diapers are also available.

For help organizing a food drive, or for other volunteer opportunities at COOL Ministries, please call 847-662-1230 or email golson@coolministries.org.

Family Housing

COOL Housing began in 1988 and is designed for families (single parents or two-parent households) who have found themselves homeless and without resources.

COOL is a program designed to give guest families an opportunity to establish their lives anew with time to find permanent housing and become self-sufficient. While staying in COOL Family Housing, guest families will work closely with a case manager. They will not only enhance their education and training but, they will also learn to budget, save money, gain life skills, obtain better           employment, receive counseling and explore personal and spiritual growth.

The program is designed so that guest families will exit the program able to remain self-sufficient. COOL Family Housing has assisted over 200 families to make a new start in life and many have exited the program to become first-time home buyers!

To obtain an application, simply call 847-662-1340 or click here.