CHICAGO – With working families facing food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is promoting the state’s expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“Thousands of people have been thrown out of work and need to feed their families,” Villanueva said. “We can’t allow the most vulnerable among us to go hungry during this crisis.”

Read more: SNAP recipients will receive maximum benefits through May

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) wants to make sure that everyone knows about the state’s latest expansion of emergency childcare eligibility and funding.

“This crisis has put everything from health to housing on the line for working families,” Villanueva said. “Expanding childcare eligibility will allow working people to continue to provide for their families and ensure that their kids are in a safe and healthy environment.”

Read more: Villanueva: State looking out for working families with childcare expansion

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) praised the governor’s moves to increase funding for food, homeless and childcare programs throughout the state.

“We need to do all we can to protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors,” Villanueva said. “Expanding these services is the moral thing to do and I am grateful for the governor’s commitment to making sure that nobody falls through the cracks during this crisis.”

Read more: Villanueva: Increased funds for social services are needed during COVID-19 crisis

CHICAGO – With domestic violence hotlines experiencing an increase in calls during the Stay at Home order, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) urged survivors to be aware of the options still available to them.

“In the midst of this crisis, we can’t let anybody slip through the cracks,” Villanueva said. “Survivors need safety during the Stay at Home order and our community can step up and be there for them.”

If you or anyone you know may experience domestic violence during the Stay at Home order, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) recommends creating a safety plan that considers travel restrictions and limited shelter options. More information is available in English and Spanish at bit.ly/NDVHcorona.

A WGN report showed that the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline (1-877-863-6338) is experiencing a nearly 40 percent increase in calls and its shelters are at capacity due to public health precautions. The phone line will remain a free, 24-hour service during the COVID-19 crisis.

Senator Villanueva encourages all survivors to reach out to either hotline. While her office space is closed, staff are working remotely and can be reached at 708-552-5225.