Skip to main content


211 Assistance Connects Millions of People to Help Every Year

211 Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through highly trained 211 call specialists and the online portal, helping individuals locate health and human services during times of non-emergency crisis and everyday need.

Examples of How 211 Can Help You

Your electricity was turned off because you could not pay the bill.

Call 211 to learn whether assistance is available to help you catch up on your payments.

Your grandmother can no longer live alone, but you work during the day.

Call 211 to learn how to find a caring and safe place for her to live.

Someone in your home has started hitting you.

Use 211 to find a safe place to go now and to make a plan for the future.

Get Help With

  • Childcare programs
  • Food and nutrition programs
  • Shelter, housing, and utility assistance
  • Mental health services
  • Employment and education assistance
  • Health care, insurance, and health epidemic information
  • Financial and tax assistance
  • Substance use prevention and treatment programs
  • Emergency information and disaster relief
  • Youth, parenting, older adult, and veteran services

Find Help Online

Search the 211 online portal for local services and resources available in your community.

Open the 211 Resource Portal 

Community members at Edwards Apple Orchard West participating in a United Way of Northwest Illinois community event

Not Sure Where to Turn? Start With 211.

Call 211 or use the online portal to connect with local assistance for everyday needs and non-emergency situations.

Open 211 Resources 211 service icons representing food, housing, utilities, health care, childcare, employment, and other community resources