2022/2023
Impact Report2022/2023
Impact ReportA Message from Our Leadership
211 Metro Chicago launched in partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County in January 2023. When residents need support with everyday crises such as access to food, shelter, health care, and more, they often either don’t know where to turn or face hurdles in navigating the complex web of resources available. 211 Metro Chicago eliminates these barriers and is a natural extension of the critical work we have been doing for 90 years – the work of meeting our neighbors’ basic needs. Since the launch, in just seven months, 2-1-1 has received more than 21,000 contacts for resources and support, with the top requested needs consistently being housing and shelter, utility payment assistance, and access to food.
Working alongside community partners through the Neighborhood Network Initiative is also key to building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Our place-based, resident-led approach to neighborhood transformation significantly expanded this past year. New Networks launched in four suburban communities: Elgin, Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Harvey, and Park Forest/Richton Park. The expansion reinforces our commitment to lifting up historically disinvested communities across the Chicago region, including the suburbs.
This is what United Way’s work is all about – bringing people together, united, to change things for the better. We also saw this transformative work in action in our existing Neighborhood Networks through the multiple grand openings and groundbreakings for much-needed community facilities. Our catalytic investments supported the expansion of the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub and Campus, the opening of the BUILD community hub in Austin as well as the groundbreaking for the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, and what will become a new community center in Brighton Park. Together, we are celebrating these accomplishments, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to build stronger, more equitable communities for all our neighbors.
Thank you for being a part of this critical work. Together, we will continue to build a region where children have better access to quality education, communities are safer, neighbors are healthier, incomes increase, and our region prospers.
This is what United Way’s work is all about – bringing people together, united, to change things for the better. We also saw this transformative work in action in our existing Neighborhood Networks through the multiple grand openings and groundbreakings for much-needed community facilities. Our catalytic investments supported the expansion of the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub and Campus, the opening of the BUILD community hub in Austin as well as the groundbreaking for the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, and what will become a new community center in Brighton Park. Together, we are celebrating these accomplishments, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to build stronger, more equitable communities for all our neighbors.
Thank you for being a part of this critical work. Together, we will continue to build a region where children have better access to quality education, communities are safer, neighbors are healthier, incomes increase, and our region prospers.
2022/2023 Chair,
Board of Directors
President & CEO
The Year in Review
