Immediate priority: Get shelter tonight and start the coordinated process for housing help. You're in a tough spot after the rapid rehousing (RRH) fallout, but Chicago has a coordinated system through the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and All Chicago that treats couples/households as a unit for longer-term help (even if unmarried). The key is calling 311 (or 312-744-5000) right now—have both names, your Northside location, and details ready (including the eviction and prior RRH sponsor non-payment). Record the service request number they give you.

1. Emergency Shelter Placement (Call 311 First)

• Most shelters do not take walk-ins. 311 connects you to available beds and arranges pickup/transport.
• For adult couples without children: You may initially be offered separate placements (men's shelter for him, women's for her), as many are gender-specific. However, explain you're a committed household that has stayed together through everything—some placements (especially interim shelters) can try to keep couples close or in family-style options. Be persistent.
• Northside-friendly options:
  • North Side Housing and Supportive Services (NSHSS) men's shelter (Rogers Park, 7464 N Clark St) is solid for men but daytime services are open to all. Their Daytime Support Services Center (4410 N Ravenswood Ave #101) is excellent for couples—Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM, 773-244-6401. Go here for food, showers, hygiene items, clothing, case management, and direct help navigating housing apps. They don't run shelter intake but can advise on your situation.
  • Cornerstone Community Outreach (Uptown/Northside) has shelters for singles and intact families (including case management, meals, on-site support). Call 311 for referral or check their site for current intake.
  • Salvation Army Shield of Hope / EHARC (924 N. Lawler Ave, West Side) is the main family hub and keeps some families together in private rooms—but it's more geared toward households with minors. Worth asking via 311.
• If no immediate bed, 311 may suggest overflow or warming centers. Libraries, hospitals, or police stations can be safe daytime spots while waiting for callbacks.

2. Get Assessed for Housing (Coordinated Entry System – CES via All Chicago)

This is the main door to new rapid rehousing, rental subsidies, or permanent supportive housing. Since you were already in RRH, mention the sponsor non-payment/eviction—it can help with prioritization or a new match. CES treats you as a household (not two singles).

• Phone Access Point: Call 312-971-4178 (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9 AM–3 PM; Tue 3–9 PM).
• Northside in-person: DFSS North Area Community Service Center, 845 W Wilson Ave (Thursdays 10 AM–2 PM). Call ahead.
• Full list of access points: allchicago.org/coordinated-entry-system (or ask 311 for the closest).
• Process: They do a standardized assessment, prioritize based on needs, and refer to available housing. It doesn't guarantee immediate housing (resources are limited), but it's required for most city-funded programs like RRH. You can update your assessment anytime.

Once assessed, you may qualify for:

• New Rapid Rehousing (short/medium-term rental help + support services, no preconditions like sobriety or income).
• Other subsidies or matches through Chicago Continuum of Care.

3. Address the Eviction / Sponsor Non-Payment Issue

The new owners claiming the sponsor wasn't paying could be disputable (RRH subsidies are city-funded). Even post-eviction:

• Legal help (free for Cook County residents): Call Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) at 855-956-5763 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM). They handle housing/debt issues regardless of income.
• Eviction Help Illinois: evictionhelpillinois.org or 1-844-938-4280 — free lawyers/mediation.
• Chicago Renters’ Rights Hotline: 312-742-RENT (7368) for general advice. This can create records for your CES application or help with any owed funds/back rent.

4. Daily Survival Supports (Northside-Focused)

• Food, showers, laundry, case management: Northside Housing Daytime Center (above) or Inspiration Corporation drop-in (4554 N Broadway).
• Benefits: Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance via 311 or Illinois DHS sites—these can help with future rent.
• Storage lockers: Continue using them as a base; many 24/7 facilities exist on the Northside.
• Warming/outreach: If unsheltered, DFSS Homeless Outreach teams patrol Northside areas.

Next Steps Checklist

1. Call 311 today → shelter request.
2. Visit Northside Housing Daytime Center tomorrow (or today if open) for immediate help + guidance.
3. Call CES phone line or visit Northside access point this week for housing assessment.
4. Call legal aid to document the RRH/sponsor issue.

This system has helped thousands exit homelessness, including couples who've faced similar RRH hiccups. Stay together as you've always done—mention that in every call/assessment; it shows stability. Resources change with funding/bed availability, so call early and follow up with your service request #.

If things feel overwhelming, many case managers at drop-ins can walk you through it step-by-step. You've survived storage lockers and eviction before—you've got resilience on your side. Start with 311 and the Northside daytime center. Let me know how it goes or if you need help with specific next calls.