211 Metro Chicago Celebrates 211 Day and Second Anniversary, More Than 320,000 Connections to Basic Needs Assistance

In its second year of service, 211 Metro Chicago has exceeded expectations, surpassing contact projections and operational goals.

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 211 Metro Chicago celebrates National 211 Day and its immensely successful second year of operation, having made more than 320,000 connections across its helplines to essential community needs and social service support for Chicago and suburban Cook County residents. Operated by United Way of Metro Chicago in partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County, the free, 24/7 helpline has experienced significant growth and exceeded expectations in its first two years of operation.

"We are incredibly proud to recognize 211 Day by celebrating the growth and positive impact on hundreds of thousands of lives that 211 Metro Chicago has achieved in its first two years," said Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. "The success of the helpline is possible thanks to our partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County as we work together to address people's needs such as access to food and safe housing. We are committed to reaching even more of our neighbors in the city and across suburban Cook County in the year ahead."

As of January 27, 2025, 211 Metro Chicago's social service and homelessness support helplines had fielded more than 320,000 contacts via phone, text message, website search and chat from residents in multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic, and across varied communities in Cook County. The top three Chicago neighborhoods served were Auburn Gresham, Chatham and South Shore. The top three suburban Cook County community areas served were Chicago Heights/Ford Heights, Calumet City and the Phoenix/Harvey area. Additionally, 211 Metro Chicago has found:

• The four most common needs for area residents were housing and shelter, utility assistance, access to food and employment and income assistance.
• Needs varied across the region with higher incidences of housing needs (44%) in suburban Cook County compared to the city of Chicago (40%).
• 62% of physical contacts self-identified as female.
• 15% of physical contacts reported having a disability.
• 14% of physical contacts were seniors, ages 65+.
• 12% of physical contacts were veterans or families with veterans in the household.
• The largest age group of physical contacts was ages 25-34 (23%), followed by ages 35-44 (19%).

National 211 Day honors the incredible impact of 2-1-1 services across the U.S. and Canada. From connecting people to shelter, food and water during disasters to providing housing support, health care and more, 2-1-1 offers hope when it's needed most.

"Over the past two years, residents have benefited from easy access to thousands of essential resources through the 2-1-1 helpline, leading to more than 320,000 referrals for individuals in need," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "The partnership that makes 211 Metro Chicago possible underscores the power of community collaboration and government support to assist those who need it most. We encourage all residents to continue utilizing 2-1-1 via text, phone or web chat to connect with vital social services in the year ahead."

Since launching January 27, 2023, 211 Metro Chicago has significantly expanded its services, assuming operations of several homelessness services helplines for the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County, including the City's Homelessness Prevention Hotline, the Suburban Cook County Homelessness/Diversion Prevention hotline and the Chicago Continuum of Care's Coordinated Entry System Hotline.

"211 Metro Chicago has experienced significant growth in its first two years of operation, helping even more people get connected to essential services such as housing and shelter through the City's Homelessness Prevention Hotline and Coordinated Entry System Hotline," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "2-1-1 is a vital resource offering a streamlined, compassionate experience for all Chicagoans. I am proud to join our partners in celebrating two years of progress and encourage our residents to use this wonderful resource."

2-1-1 is operated by United Way of Metro Chicago and supported by the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners and the 211 Metro Chicago Advisory and Executive Boards comprising business, civic, charitable and social service organizations. 2-1-1's generous philanthropic partners include the Builders Initiative Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, The Comer Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Ford Philanthropy, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Michael Reese Health Trust, Northern Trust Foundation, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute (NKA Sprague Foundation), Polk Bros. Foundation, Pritzker Foundation, The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, The Steans Family Foundation and an anonymous foundation.

 211 Metro Chicago Resource Navigators are available 24/7 through a variety of channels:

• Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a local Resource Navigator on the phone
• Text your ZIP code to 898-211
• Visit 211MetroChicago.org to connect with resources via web search and chat

To connect directly with a homelessness service helpline, operated by 211 Metro Chicago:

• City of Chicago Homelessness Prevention Hotline: dial 3-1-1
  • Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
  • For individuals seeking to apply for Homelessness Prevention Funds (Rent/Mortgage Assistance Funds) to avoid being evicted or foreclosed from their residence
• Chicago Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry Line: (312) 971-4178
  • Open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 4 – 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, excluding holidays
  • For individuals and families seeking supportive or transitional shelter in Chicago
• Suburban Cook Homelessness Prevention/Diversion Hotline: (312) 967-2658 or (877) 426-6515
  • Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
  • For individuals and families in suburban Cook County seeking homelessness prevention funds or for individuals seeking supportive or transitional housing

About 211 Metro Chicago

211 Metro Chicago is a 24/7/365 helpline connecting Cook County residents to health and social service resources. 211 Metro Chicago is operated by United Way of Metro Chicago and launched with support from the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners and the 211 Metro Chicago Advisory and Executive Boards composed of business, civic, charitable and social service organizations. United Way of Metro Chicago mobilizes private, philanthropic and public sector support to help individuals meet their basic needs and works to support equitable transformation in neighborhoods across the Chicago region. Visit 211MetroChicago.org to connect with these resources.

About United Way of Metro Chicago

United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual, and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org to learn more.

Contact: Emily MacMillan
[email protected]
(312) 755-3547

SOURCE United Way of Metro Chicago