CHARTER

2-1-1 Excellence Everywhere in Illinois consists of organizations and other entities that
are committed to the support and development of the best possible 2-1-1 information &
referral system for all the residents of the state.

The goal of 2-1-1 Illinois is to provide an easy-to-remember telephone number that
connects the people of Illinois with vital community services, disaster response and
relief services in times of disaster, and volunteer opportunities.

All our work is guided by the following principles:
• 2-1-1 works best as a private/public partnership
• 2-1-1 is an excellent tool to promote self-sufficiency
• 2-1-1 belongs to the community, and the groups that work to develop and provide
the service who are accountable to the community
• 2-1-1 is a critical component of national, regional, and local disaster relief and
recovery efforts
• 2-1-1 will work with and support access to specialized I&Rs

BACKGROUND

In the late 1990’s the Illinois Alliance of Information and Referral Systems brought 2-1-1
to the attention of information and referral providers. Working with United Way of
Illinois, legislation was developed in 2001 but it took the passage of HB0439 in 2003 to
create the Human Services 211 Collaboration Board. The eight member board represents
the Governor’s office and seven state agencies: Illinois Commerce Commission, the
Department of Public Health, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of
Employment Security, Department of Health and Family Services, Department of Human
Services, Department of Public Health and the Department on Aging. An Advisory Board
was authorized by Governor Rod Blagojevich which does not currently meet.
The bill charged the Collaboration Board with the responsibility of awarding 3-6 pilot
sites in Illinois. No funding was attached to the bill; information and referral providers
already in operations are expected to have funding established.2-1-1 Excellence Everywhere in Illinois consists of organizations and other entities that are committed to the support and development of the best possible 2-1-1 information & referral system for all the residents of the state.

The goal of 2-1-1 Illinois is to provide an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects the people of Illinois with vital community services, disaster response and relief services in times of disaster, and volunteer opportunities.

All our work is guided by the following principles:

2-1-1 works best as a private/public partnership
2-1-1 is an excellent tool to promote self-sufficiency
2-1-1 belongs to the community, and the groups that work to develop and provide the service who are accountable to the community
2-1-1 is a critical component of national, regional, and local disaster relief and recovery efforts
2-1-1 will work with and support access to specialized I&Rs