North Chicago Celebrates 211 Day to Raise Awareness of Vital Community Resource

February 11 is recognized as 211 Day in Lake County, IL.  It’s a day set aside to raise awareness of the free, 24/7, and confidential 211 helpline available to everyone who lives in North Chicago and throughout Lake County, IL.  Operated by the United Way, the 211 helpline connects residents to essential services, including food, housing, utility assistance, and mental health support, by dialing 2-1-1 or texting a ZIP code to 898-211, offering support in over 150 languages.

211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital resource that helps people, improves lives and strengthens our community.

When calling 211 or texting your zip code to 898-211, individuals are connected to a trained, live person whether you call in English or Spanish. 211 provides a critical service that is available for everyone across Lake County. Tell your friends and family about this free service so they know that help is a phone call or text away.

Since its start, 211 has made more than 400,000 connections in every zip code in Lake County, providing help for housing and shelter, rent and utility assistance, mental health and addictions, food, healthcare and more. It also aids law enforcement by reducing non-emergency calls to 911.

Watch this VIDEO to learn more:

KEY ASPECTS OF 211 IN LAKE COUNTY

PURPOSE: The service acts as a "one-stop shop" for health and human services, reducing the time and frustration of searching for help.

ACCESS: Available to 99% of the population, it serves every ZIP code in Lake County.

SERVICES PROVIDED: Connects users to resources for basic needs (food, shelter), crisis help, mental health/addiction services, employment, and legal assistance.

ORIGIN: Launched in 2019, 211 is a key partnership between United Way of Lake County and the Lake County government.

IMPACT: Over 400,000 connections to critical resources, and counting. 

HOW TO CONNECT:

  • Call: 2-1-1
  • Text: Your ZIP code to 898-211
  • Online: 211LakeCounty.org

211_Flyer_2021_English

211_Flyer_2021_Spanish