In addition to dialing or browsing for help, DuPage County residents seeking health and human services can now find assistance by texting the county’s free 211 information and referral line.
Residents can text their ZIP code to 898211 to connect with a county operator, who can provide referrals to assistance available near them. Texting service will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to the texting option, residents seeking help can still dial 211 or visit http://www.211dupage.gov to find services near them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Texting 211 initiates a conversation with a live, specially trained operator who will efficiently connect you to the right resources,” said human services Chairman Greg Schwarze. “By expanding the 211 Helpline to include texting, we’re improving our ability to connect residents with resources and support, bridging the gap between struggle and solutions. We’re very excited about this new feature and the help it will provide our residents.”
Immediate referrals are available any time of day for services including clothing or personal items, disaster services, education, food, health and wellness, income support, legal aid, transportation and more.
DuPage County has compiled a database of more than 600 service providers offering thousands of services for DuPage County residents. Anyone interested in being included in the list can visit http://www.211dupage.gov for more information and to apply for inclusion.
211 is a confidential, information and referral service that connects residents to local health and social service resources. It is different from 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential support for people in a mental health, suicidal or emotional crisis.
DuPage County launched 211 in November 2022, and to date, has connected more than 8,000 people to county social services.
