Resource Navigators in the 211 Metro Chicago Contact Center field calls and help connect people to critical resources such as food, housing, and health care.
When people need support, United Way of Metro Chicago shows up.
Over the past year, communities across the Chicago region have navigated extraordinary challenges. Policy changes affecting access to food, housing, health care, and other essential supports created new barriers for families already facing rising costs and economic uncertainty.
At the same time, heightened immigration enforcement activity in many neighborhoods contributed to fear, disrupted local economies, and increased strain on community-based organizations working to meet growing needs.
As a trusted partner deeply connected to communities across the region, United Way listened, responded, and adapted in real time. Through our partnerships, data, grantmaking, and community leadership, we worked alongside residents, nonprofits, government agencies, and philanthropic partners to help strengthen the social safety net during a complex and rapidly changing moment.
One of the most important tools guiding our response was 211 Metro Chicago, United Way’s free, confidential 24/7 social services helpline. Throughout the year, 2-1-1 data revealed significant increases in requests for assistance, including food, housing, health care, and employment services. In November 2025 alone, food assistance requests surged by 149%. These real-time insights helped us understand emerging needs and respond with urgency.
That data directly led to the launch of United Way’s Response Fund in fall 2025. Designed to rapidly deploy resources where they were needed most, the fund provides flexible support to organizations addressing urgent and emerging community needs. The first round awarded $250,000 to 24 nonprofits responding to rising food insecurity across the region. Just months later, a second round distributed another $250,000 to 20 organizations focused on housing stability and homelessness prevention as housing-related requests climbed sharply across the Chicago area.
The Response Fund demonstrated what is possible when data, philanthropy, and community leadership come together. By creating a streamlined application process and moving funding quickly, United Way helped trusted local organizations meet urgent needs while continuing their essential day-to-day work.
At the same time, we recognized that responding to immediate needs was only part of the solution. Communities also needed opportunities to share experiences, elevate concerns, and better understand the changing landscape. To support those conversations, United Way launched The State of the Social Safety Net series, a free virtual discussion forum bringing together nonprofit leaders, community voices, corporate partners, advocates, and policymakers to examine how evolving policies are affecting families and neighborhoods across our region. Topics have included food security, housing, public policy changes, and the long-term impacts of federal legislation on Illinois residents.
Throughout the year, United Way of Metro Chicago President and CEO Sean Garrett and our staff also maintained regular communication with supporters and partners, sharing insights from 2-1-1 data and stories from neighborhoods experiencing the impacts firsthand. United Way staff met with community leaders, convened Neighborhood Network partners, amplified local voices, and helped connect residents to critical resources. We witnessed remarkable resilience amid challenging circumstances as our partners, neighborhood organizations, and residents worked together to support one another. While this year tested our communities in new ways, it also reinforced something we have long known: progress happens when we come together.
Whether deploying rapid-response funding, connecting residents to help through 2-1-1, convening important conversations, or standing alongside partners in community, United Way of Metro Chicago remained focused on what matters most — helping our neighbors meet their basic needs and creating pathways for them to thrive.
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