What is 211?
Community resource navigators are available 24/7 by call or text to help individuals in need. They provide help in three important ways:
- Resource Referral: Using PATH’s continually updated resource database, community resource navigators help callers locate a wide range of services, including rent and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, senior services, and much more.
- Problem Solving: 211 helps callers brainstorm alternate solutions to problems they may be facing. On one hand, people under stress can find themselves in a rut and need an outside perspective. On the other hand, when helping locate resources, community resource navigators can help identify and address underlying causes for the apparent reason for the call.
- Emotional Support: 211 provides a ready ear for anyone who needs someone to talk to, even if they aren’t looking for resource referrals.
All services are free to callers and confidential.
211 is an initiative of United Way Worldwide. There are several call centers in Illinois that provide 211 services. See the map below for which call centers serve which counties.
How do I contact 211?
- Dial “2-1-1”: Any landline should be routed to the 211 call center serving their area without any issues. Cell phone routing is more complicated, so if this doesn’t work, use the alternate number below.
- Dial 888-865-9903. This toll-free number will always reach our call center directly. See the map below for the alternate numbers for the other call centers in Illinois.
- Text your zip code to 898211. Your text will be routed to our call center based on the zip code you entered.
- Visit the online database. Community resource navigators can’t help problem-solve or provide emotional support with this method, but you can browse our resource database on your own.
Please note that anyone seeking resources via email, social media, or PATH’s business line will be directed to contact the call center using the methods above.
How do I add or update an organization’s details in PATH’s Database?
Whether you are a service provider or a client who would like to report a change, visit this page for more information.
211 in Illinois
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| PATH - Current Coverage (888-865-9903) | |
| PATH - In planning process | |
| Lake County (855-677-5253) | |
| Metropolitan Chicago (Text: 773-362-4401) | |
| DuPage County (630-407-6621) | |
| Heart of Illinois (309-999-4029) | |
| Greater St. Louis (800-427-4626) | |
| PATH Potential Implementation | |
Path currently provides 211 services for the following 53 counties:
- Alexander
- Carroll
- Champaign
- Clark
- Crawford
- DeKalb
- DeWitt
- Douglas
- Edgar
- Ford
- Franklin
- Gallatin
- Grundy
- Hamilton
- Hardin
- Iroquois
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- Knox
- LaSalle
- Lee
- Livingston
- Logan
- Macon
- Marion
- Massac
- McHenry
- McLean
- Menard
- Moultrie
- Ogle
- Perry
- Piatt
- Pope
- Pulaski
- Saline
- Sangamon
- Shelby
- Stephenson
- Union
- Vermilion
- Washington
- Wayne
- White
- Whiteside
- Will
- Williamson
- Winnebago
Accreditation
PATH is accredited through Inform USA (formerly known as AIRS) through April 2025.
