CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — During this time, when so many people need help, United Way and Chicago officials want to remind residents that they can dial 211 to find and access social services in the Chicago area.
Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago, said he wants more people to know about — and use — 211 Metro Chicago. It's a one-stop helpline funded partly by the City of Chicago and Cook County.
211 Metro Chicago is a joint project. While 311 helps people obtain city services, dialing 211 connects the caller to resource navigators like Desni Holmes, who said most of her calls are about getting food, utilities or rental assistance.
“When they first call … let them ease into the situation, get their frustrations out, and when they calm down you can describe the background information — what led them to call us,” Holmes said. “The hidden needs.”
Holmes said some of those “hidden needs” can include job assistance or substance abuse.
The Pritzker Foundation was among the first philanthropic organizations to offer funding. Julie Wilen is the executive director who asked that board to join the effort.
“The fact that 96% of the country had this resource for residents — but metro Chicago did not — immediately resonated with them,” Wilen said. “From there, really, it was a no-brainer.”
We discuss 211, as well as efforts to bring people and social services together on our “At Issue” program, which airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram