What is United Way’s “2-1-1”?
It is an easy to remember phone number that connects individuals with resources in our community. 2-1-1 is your one-stop connection to the local services you need including utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention,and much more. 2-1-1 is always ready to assist you in finding the help you need.

Simply dial 2-1-1 or with some cell phone providers you must dial 1-888-865-9903.
You can also access Illinois 2-1-1’s growing online database of service by clicking here.

Why does LaSalle County need 2-1-1?
With approximately 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States plus scores of government agencies, finding help can be confusing and intimidating. People who need help often do not know where to begin. 2-1-1 call centers are staffed by trained specialists, who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to resurces in their area. It’s simple to remember, accessible to everyone, toll-free, available 24/7, with multilingual capabilities.

Who funds 2-1-1?
2-1-1 in LaSalle County is funded by United Way of Eastern LaSalle County. By bringing this service to the entire county, especially at a time when more individuals and families need health and human service support, United Way of Eastern LaSalle County is fulfilling its mission of mobilizing resources to meet community needs.

2-1-1 benefits the nation?
The human services system in many of our cities and states is often confusing, costly, and time consuming for sonsumers seeking to get help. It need not be this way. A 2-1-1 system produces cost savings for taxpayers, employers, and government; and 2-1-1 in any community saves time and enhances the human services experience for those needing assistance. 2-1-1 covers over 86% of the nation. Thirty-five states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have 100% coverage. The two states with less than 20% coverage are Illinois and Arkansas.

As a LaSalle County human service provider, how can I support 2-1-1 in the community?
2-1-1 is locally designed by community stakeholders, who are aware of their local and state needs and resources. 2-1-1 is part of the community fabric and serves the local community. It is important for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies who provide human services to support 2-1-1 as a way to improve the lives of the residents in LaSalle County. Simply click here to access an agency data form to fill out in order to make your agency information available on 2-1-1.

2-1-1 enhances public safety and crisis receovery efforts.
The nation is prepared to make considerable investments in public safety and disaster relief infrastructure and capacity in response to events of natural or human cause disasters. From hurricanes and floods to bio-terrorism, 2-1-1 call centers that already exist in communities, operating 24/7, are the logical platform for building emergency response communication capacity. Residents will call 2-1-1 with a multitude of needs, including shelter, transportation, medical, food and water, construction materials, mental health, and questions about the availability of and application process for federal, state, and nonprofit assistance. 9-1-1 refers non-emergency calls to 2-1-1, freeing up 9-1-1 operators for life and death situations.