2-1-1 Metro Chicago
Connecting Chicago and suburban Cook County residents to the help they need, when they need it.
Resource Categories
Key components of 211MetroChicago
LIVE SUPPORT
24/7/365 access to a trained, empathetic specialist via phone, web, and text message
INFORMATION
Comprehensive database of available services, programs, and benefits
DATA
Secure data about client needs, community gaps, and trends used to inform decision-making and local investments
AWARENESS
Education tools to ensure anyone who may need help or who wants to help knows where to start
How 2-1-1 Can Help
Chicago and suburban Cook County residents now have access to a local 2-1-1 service—changing the landscape for how we meet the needs of our neighbors. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7/365 service that connects them to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.
Important for residents:
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Call 3-1-1 or call your city or village office for municipal or local government services if 3-1-1 is not available in your community.
Call 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
What 211 IS
It’s a free, easy-to-access helpline, an information and referral resource, helping people who need access to food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment, mental health, disaster information and assistance, and more.
It’s a go-to resource for any health and human service needs, utilizing comprehensive, accurate information, and delivering a user-friendly experience.
Find The Help You Need Now
Residents can also dial 2-1-1 or (773) 362-4401 to get connected to a trained Resource Navigator, text their zip code to 898-211, or use the chat button on the lower right side of the page.
Blog & News
July 5, 2024
Over one-third of Cook County residents struggle to afford basic needs
The United Way report shows that 35% of households in Cook County are struggling financially - and 211 Metro Chicago is here to help.
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February 21, 2024
“The Weekly Show” Community Affairs with 2-1-1
2-1-1 and United Way of Metro Chicago staff spoke with Paulina Roe of iHeart Radio about the one-year anniversary of the helpline.
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February 6, 2024
211 Metro Chicago Marks One Year of Service, Connecting Over 100,000 Residents to Vital Resources
211 Metro Chicago celebrates its first year of operation and reflects on its immense success in connecting more than 100,000 Cook County residents.
Read More February 5, 2024
With 1 in 5 Chicagoans facing hunger, local nonprofits partner to build better food access
Nonprofits Vivery Community and 211 Metro Chicago have announced a partnership to address food insecurity in Chicago.
Read More 
January 24, 2024
211 Helpline Connects Cook County Residents to Health and Social Services: ‘It’s Those Everyday Emergencies’
Have you heard of 211? It’s a free hotline connecting people to everyday services — from housing resources to utility payment assistance.
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January 24, 2024
211 Metro Chicago Celebrates One-Year Anniversary, More Than 100,000 Residents Assisted
In its first year of service, 211 Metro Chicago has connected more than 100,000 Cook County residents in need with health and social services.
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January 19, 2024
Amplían acceso a recursos de comida para residentes de Chicago y el condado de Cook
211 Metro Chicago se asocia con Vivery para que residentes de Chicago y del condado de Cook puedan tener información más eficiente y accesible.
Read More January 16, 2024
211 Metro Chicago Partners with Vivery
211 Metro Chicago has integrated Vivery technology into its system to provide more efficient access to food resources.
Read More November 26, 2023
How Chicago’s 211 helpline staff works to address ‘hidden needs’ of residents
During this time, when so many people need help, United Way and Chicago officials want to remind residents that they can dial 211.
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September 25, 2023
Letter to the Editor: Remember to dial 211 for free health and social services help
211 Metro Chicago Executive Director Richard LaPratt is proud of 2-1-1's impact and encourages more collaboration in the future.
Read More Partners
