DuPage County Launches 211

On Nov. 15, DuPage County launched 211 – a free, confidential information and referral service that will provide a central access point to local health and human services 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Beginning Nov. 15, the 211 line will enable DuPage County residents to use an easy three-digit number to access help by phone – or via the new 211 web address, 211dupage.gov. Anyone will be able to obtain immediate referrals to mental health services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, supplemental food programs, shelter and affordable housing options, employment and education support, financial support, and more.

“We are thrilled to make help available to our residents on a 24/7, 365 basis. Now at any hour of the day or night, in DuPage County you can dial 211 and talk to a trained support specialist who will listen and connect you to the appropriate resource tailored for each caller’s specific needs,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin.

The expanded service hours are made possible by an intergovernmental agreement between DuPage County and the Village of Addison, whose dispatch center will handle the evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday calls.

“It’s a privilege for our Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center to serve the DuPage region by providing another access point to critical services and programs,” Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra said.

Over the past two decades, DuPage County has compiled a database of roughly 640 service providers offering thousands of services for DuPage County residents. DuPage County joins a network that includes Will, Kane, McHenry, and Lake counties’ 211 helplines providing thousands of community resources.

The DuPage County Board allocated $1.6 million from federal funds distributed to the County from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to create County 211 service.

The DuPage County 211 database of services includes:

Clothing/Personal/Household Items

Disaster Services

Education

Food

Health, Wellness and Dental

Housing and Utility Assistance

Income Supports and Employment

Legal Aid and Public Safety

Mental Health

Older Adults/Disability Services

Transportation

Veterans

Last year, DuPage County Community Services staff responded to 38,500 inquiries for utility assistance, food, and housing resources.