CHICAGO, Ill. - September 10, 2026 – United Way of Metro Chicago has announced an emergency $50,000 disbursement from its Response Fund and preparedness workshops to support Chicago communities impacted by severe storms. Awarded as five $10,000 grants, the funds went to established direct service providers across Chicago, suburban Cook County and DuPage County specifically addressing disaster response and emergency support for urgent needs identified by real-time 211 Metro Chicago data.
“Following recent severe weather, 211 Metro Chicago saw a surge in requests for help from residents across the Chicago region. United Way of Metro Chicago’s Response Fund is designed to meet moments like this by deploying resources quickly and strategically,” said Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “Grounded in helping families meet their basic needs and informed by real-time 2-1-1 data, these investments help trusted community organizations offer critical support, from replacing food lost during power outages to providing emergency shelter. Together, we’re ensuring that residents affected by these storms can access the immediate assistance they need while building a stronger foundation for recovery in the weeks and months ahead.”
On July 27 and Aug. 11, 2026, severe storms across the Chicago region brought tornadoes, flash flooding and high winds, with south suburban Cook County among the hardest hit areas. The storms disrupted transportation, left many residents without power and increased demand for emergency assistance.
Consistent with these impacts, data from 211 Metro Chicago, United Way’s free, 24/7 social services helpline for residents of Chicago and suburban Cook County, shows a sharp surge in disaster-related needs, with disaster services contacts increasing from a typical 10 to 30 inquiries per day to peaks of nearly 190 contacts, more than 500% above normal levels. Referral data indicates that residents were primarily seeking disaster-related information, crisis support, food and utility assistance.
As severe weather events become more frequent and the needs they create grow, United Way of Metro Chicago is taking a deliberate, holistic approach to disaster relief, pairing real-time Response Fund grants with preparedness efforts, partnerships and community convening. Together, these efforts show how United Way of Metro Chicago’s strong foundation is helping our communities prepare for, respond to and recover from more frequent and severe weather through a coordinated system of basic needs support.
Response Fund: From Crisis to Direct Support
Leveraging existing infrastructure to respond quickly to households impacted by storms, flooding, tornadoes and power outages, this third round of grants addresses disaster relief efforts related to food security, direct financial assistance, household recovery supplies, temporary shelter and disaster recovery case management.
The five organizations receiving Response Fund grants are:
Cornerstone Community Development Corporation
People’s Resource Center
Restoration Ministries, Inc.
Together We Cope
American Red Cross of Illinois
“When disaster strikes, families often face needs that extend far beyond the immediate emergency, and recovery can take weeks, months or even longer. No single organization can meet those needs alone,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Illinois. “We are deeply grateful to United Way for bringing together resources and community partners to help ensure people have the support they need as they recover and rebuild. This kind of collaboration is what makes our communities stronger and helps us be there for our neighbors when they need us most.”
The United Way of Metro Chicago Response Fund is generously supported by the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, the Resilient Chicago Fund – The Chicago Community Trust and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, The Steans Family Foundation and individual donors.
Leveraging Partnerships to Deliver Critical Social Services
In an effort to increase our impact, United Way of Metro Chicago has partnered with Verizon to mobilize resources to local communities. These efforts include the launch of United We Prepare and a joint partnership with Hyfi to utilize innovative floodwater sensors to send text alerts to residents. These efforts are designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts by providing tools and information people can use before emergencies happen.
United Way has also partnered with the American Red Cross of Illinois and community organizations this summer and fall to host flood preparedness workshops in Austin, Brighton Park and Little Village on the West and Southwest Sides of Chicago where recent flash flooding has occurred. Workshop attendees learn practical tools and tips to prepare for flooding and receive a free disaster preparedness kit, including flood sensors, power banks, flashlights, ponchos, first aid kits, dry bags and electrolyte packets. In total, 1,000 kits will be distributed to residents and families.
“As one of United Way of Metro Chicago’s Neighborhood Networks, we have seen firsthand United Way’s commitment to the Austin community,” said Darnell Shields, Executive Director of Austin Coming Together. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help ensure residents have the information, resources and support they need to stay informed and prepared for emergencies.”
Convening Local Leaders: Cultivating Solutions, Meeting Basic Needs
On Oct. 2, 2026, “The State of the Social Safety Net in Local Communities," a virtual conversation hosted by United Way of Metro Chicago, will focus on the impact of recent severe weather and natural disasters on residents and the social safety net in some of the Chicago region’s hardest hit communities. Panelists will discuss how the public sector, nonprofits, United Way and 211 Metro Chicago are working hard to ensure individuals and families can continue to access benefits and meet their immediate basic needs such as housing, food and utility assistance.
Panelists include Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, American Red Cross of Illinois CEO Kellie O’Connell and 211 Metro Chicago Executive Director Richard LaPratt, moderated by United Way of Metro Chicago Senior Director of Community Impact Jessica Lucas. Learn more and register at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/Social-Safety-Net.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger Chicago region. Visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org to learn more.
About 211 Metro Chicago
211 Metro Chicago is a 24/7/365 helpline connecting Cook County residents to health and social service resources. 211 Metro Chicago is operated by United Way of Metro Chicago and launched with support from the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners and the 211 Metro Chicago Advisory and Executive Boards composed of business, civic, charitable and social service organizations. United Way of Metro Chicago mobilizes private, philanthropic and public sector support to help individuals meet their basic needs and works to support transformation in neighborhoods across the Chicago region. Visit 211MetroChicago.org 211MetroChicago.org to connect with these resources.
Media Contact
Kris Adamik, 312.906.2291,
kris.adamik@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org