News

United Way of Metro Chicago and the Nicor Gas Foundation are expanding their Neighborhood Network Initiative into Elgin, making a $600,000 investment in local community education efforts. Elgin became the 14th Neighborhood Network Initiative in the Chicago area, with money pledged to increasing early education preparation, building a trauma-informed care school culture and ensuring students leave high school prepared for the global workforce, officials announced Wednesday.

United Way of Metro Chicago is expanding its Neighborhood Network Initiative to Elgin, bringing the agency's expertise and funding from the Nicor Gas Foundation with it. The program is a neighborhood-based investment model that addresses needs in the community with a goal of improving residents' quality of life.

“United Way has a long-standing relationship and partnership with the Elgin community,” said United Way of Metro Chicago President and CEO Sean Garrett. “Along with the Nicor Gas Foundation, we are thrilled to work with our partners at Alignment Collaborative for Education to launch the Elgin Neighborhood Network and reaffirm United Way’s commitment to the residents of Elgin."

Far too often, people don’t know where to turn for help. Which is why 211 Metro Chicago is such a crucial resource. Now, instead of a flyer with more than 60 phone numbers and resources, there is one simple number to call for help: 2-1-1.

Last week, city officials shared some encouraging news: The city had reached its goal of funding clinics and other nonprofits to provide mental health services in all of Chicago’s 77 community areas. . . . In addition, the recent debut of the city’s new 211 phone line is another good sign.

Chicagoans can now dial 2-1-1 for a one-stop shop of social services. The call center will be manned 24/7 with “trained, empathetic resource navigators” who’ll connect people to food, housing, health care, transportation, child care, employment services, substance abuse recovery, utility bill help and disaster information, according to a city news release.

211 Metro Chicago—a free resource connecting individuals in need of assistance with essential health and social services support—is now available via phone, text, web chat and database search 24/7 for all Cook County residents.

The city and county have jointly launched a new, free resource for individuals who need health or social services support: 211 Metro Chicago. Now available via phone, text, or web chat, 211 Metro Chicago is a database search for all Cook County residents.

At the start of the pandemic, a mother needed help. So she was given a flyer with 65 phone numbers for various Chicago-area social services. “As you can imagine, that mother was overwhelmed,” said Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago, who was telling the woman’s story Friday.

211 Metro Chicago—a free resource connecting individuals in need of assistance with essential health and social services support—is now available via phone, text, web chat and database search 24/7 for all Cook County residents.