Chicago and suburban Cook County residents now have access to a local 2-1-1 service—changing the landscape for how we meet the needs of our neighbors. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7/365 service that connects them to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.
Important for residents:
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Call 3-1-1 or call your city or village office for municipal or local government services if 3-1-1 is not available in your community.
Call 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
What 2-1-1 IS
- A free, easy-to-access helpline
- An information and referral resource, helping connect people to food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment, mental health, disaster information and assistance, and more
- A go-to resource for any essential health and social service needs, using comprehensive, accurate information, and delivering a user-friendly experience
What 2-1-1 IS NOT
- A non-emergency form of direct service, i.e., 3-1-1 or other nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies
- An emergency medical assistance or dispatch line, i.e., 9-1-1
- A tool for surveillance, evaluation of services, or reporting on individuals or agencies
- A replacement for the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline