211 Metro Chicago
Launched in January 2023, 211 Metro Chicago is a free, 24-hour helpline linking Cook County residents to crucial resources, including:
- Employment assistance
- Food
- Housing
- Mental-health and substance-use services
- Utility-payment assistance
Users can reach the helpline by:
- Calling 2-1-1
- Texting their ZIP code to 898-211
- Visiting 211metrochicago.org for a searchable resource directory and live chat support
The County partners with the City of Chicago and United Way of Metro Chicago on 211 Metro Chicago.
This collaborative effort also collects data, while always respecting and protecting the confidentiality of individuals, that will help local institutions identify, plan for and better meet residents’ needs.
Program impact
As of February 1, 2026, 211 Metro Chicago’s social service and homelessness support helplines had fielded more than 550,000 contacts via phone, text message, website search and chat from residents in multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic, across varied communities in Cook County.
The four most common needs for area residents were housing and shelter, utility assistance, access to food, and employment and income assistance.
Learn more: 211 Metro Chicago Celebrates 211 Day and Third Anniversary
Questions?
For more information, email Dena Al-Khatib, community and economic development manager with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, at dena.al-khatib2@cookcountyil.gov.
For media inquiries, email:
Maria Phelan, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development deputy director of communications
maria.phelan2@cookcountyil.gov
Kyle Garmes, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development public relations specialist