211 System

Historically, the burden for navigating the complex health and human services landscape in Chicago has been placed on residents and service providers. The result has been lower service uptake when residents are unable to locate the information they need to access services they need. As part of the Chicago Recovery Plan - and in partnership with Cook County and United Way of Metro Chicago - the City launched 211 Metro Chicago, a comprehensive health and human services helpline. 211 Metro Chicago aims to take the burden off residents for navigating the complex system of social services in Chicago, increasing access to the resources they need to recover from the negative social, economic, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.