February 11 Proclaimed “211 Day” in Lake County, Illinois

In special recognition of United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline, the Lake County Board on Tuesday proclaimed February 11 as “211 Day” in Lake County, Illinois. The critical 211 service, led by United Way of Lake County, is open and available for everyone in Lake County. 211 has become Lake County’s one-stop shop for help.

211 is a free, confidential, easy-to-remember helpline that connects people in need to a wide range of essential health and human services, such as rent and utility assistance, supplemental food programs, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, health care and mental health, and more.

Through 211, anyone in Lake County can connect to help 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by phone, text and online regardless of the language they speak or where they live. 211 provides multi-lingual support with English and Spanish speaking staff, as well as interpretations to more than 150 languages. To access 211, simply call 211 or text your zip code to 898211. The service does more than simply patch people through to agencies. 211’s expert navigators are trained specialists who will listen, identify underlying root causes, and connect people to available resources.

Lake County is the largest county in Illinois to make 211 available to its community members. Today, 211 serves more than 95% of America’s population.

“We are grateful to Lake County government for their partnership and generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many partners and individuals who have contributed to help make 211 a reality for our community,” said Kristi Long, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County. “Whether by phone or online, 211 has already made a tremendous impact connecting community members with essential health and human services. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives here in Lake County.”

Since its September 24, 2019 launch, 211 has made more than 70,000 connections to help, including answering more than 10,000 calls and texts, from every municipality in requested the county. During the pandemic, 211 specialists have responded to more than three times the number of calls. The top needs identified prior to the pandemic have remained consistent, including housing and shelter, utilities, food, mental health and addictions, and healthcare. Rent payment assistance continues to be the #1 need requested and 211 has played a key role in guiding people to available resources.

For more information about United Way of Lake County’s 211, visit www.211LakeCounty.org.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF LAKE COUNTY

United Way of Lake County’s mission is to unite leadership and resources to create lasting change that will improve lives in Lake County, Illinois. United Way recently launched 211, a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline, providing personalized help guiding individuals and families in Lake County to available health and human services.

Through the support of our partners and supporters, we are transforming communities by delivering programs and services that are timely, effective and scalable, with results we can measure. For more information, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org