Nichols Raising Awareness of New Cook County 211 Social Services Hotline

CHICAGO – Following its announcement by city and county officials on Friday, state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, is promoting awareness of the new 211 social services hotline now available to all residents of Cook County. The hotline is available via phone, text and web chat. Residents can use 211 to be connected with a local Resource Navigator who can assist with finding and accessing assistance and other programs in a wide variety of categories.

“Chicago and Cook County have many high-quality social services programs, but even the best programs aren’t going to be as effective as they could be if people don’t know about them or have trouble accessing them,” Nichols said. “Now there is a central number that people can use as a starting point to find what they need more easily.”

Categories covered by 211 include Housing, Senior Services, Legal Assistance, Immigration, Veteran Services, Health Care and Utility Assistance. A full list of resource categories as well as additional information can be found at https://211metrochicago.org. To connect with 211 via text message, residents should text their ZIP code to 898211.

“Connecting those we serve with the resources they are entitled to easily and efficiently is an important responsibility,” Nichols said. “That’s why a resource like 211 is so important. I’m glad to see the city and county stepping up for our communities.”

Nichols’ office can be reached at 773-912-6107 or rep32nd@gmail.com.