Together, We Take Care
of Each Other

Evanston has always been a community that shows up. By donating, sharing, or spreading the word, you become part of a local effort to ensure our neighbors get the support they need today—and hope for tomorrow.

Total Goal for the ECC Fund: $2 Million

Evanston Community Cares is rooted in emergency financial support & Mutual Aid. Our goal is to continue to help those in need across all demographics in Evanston and provide financial support and mutual aid opportunities & financial support via fundraising to help our neighbors not just survive, but thrive during this challenging time.

Raised so far:

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About ECC

Evanston Community Cares (ECC) is a new grassroots effort created by local residents and leaders to ensure that every neighbor has reliable access to food, essential services, and emergency support. In response to the federal shutdown, SNAP disruptions, job loss, and rising financial pressures, our fund provides fast, compassionate mutual aid when families need it most.

Backed by the Evanston Community Foundation as our fiscal agent—and supported by seed funding from ECF and the City of Evanston, the Evanston Community Fund (ECCF) directs emergency assistance quickly and responsibly to the people who need it.

Learn More about ECCF

Our Impact

Even in a well-served suburb like Evanston, having grocery stores nearby does not always mean that fresh, healthy food is truly accessible or affordable for every family.

of people in the Greater Chicagoland area are facing food insecurity.

Estimate based on the number of individuals living in households with incomes below twice the federal poverty level ($64,300 for a household of four). Source: 2023 U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

of households in the Greater Chicagoland area cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county.

2025 United Way United for ALICE State Reports for Illinois and Indiana. Data reflects 2023 information.

increase in grocery prices between June 2020 and June 2025.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

more household visits to local food pantries and free grocery programs in FY25 compared to FY20.

Aggregated numbers from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Northern IL Food Bank and Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.

Madcoverboy, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons