Every hour of every day, someone in Illinois needs help locating and connecting with essential community services. On February 11, 2009, 2-1-1 made its piloted debut in 13 Illinois counties. A free three digit number helped illinoisans get access to confidential health and human services help. By 2017, 211 has reached over 60 counties and was still growing. While in 2025, our growth to fully statewide is in our reach.

211 is for times of non-emergency crisis as well as for everyday needs. The 211 call specialists are available to help individuals locate health and human service assistance, on everything from mortgage assistance, EITC tax help and food and shelter, to job counseling services and health resources.

211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services, such as:

• Basic Human Need like clothing, food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance.
• Legal Support when you need mediation, to understand your landlord tenant rights, or a legal hotline to get your questions answered.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources that support finding health insurance, accessing Medicaid and Medicare, urgent medical information lines, and critical crisis intervention services.
• Employment Supports for a job search, job training, transportation assistance, or education programs.
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities that connect you to adult day care, durable medical equipment, respite care, home health care, and independent living programs – to name a few.
• Support for Children, Youth, and Families around before and after school programs, family resource centers, mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, and youth programs.
• Support for veterans ensuring access to health care, emotional support, continuity of care, and support group resources.