Chicago Prepares

Serving greater Chicago, Cook and DuPage counties

United Way Metro Chicago logo
Aerial photo of Chicago

United Way of Metro Chicago is working with community-based partners to host disaster preparedness-related events and workshops in the Austin, Brighton Park, and Little Village neighborhoods on the West and Southwest Sides of Chicago.

Our goal is to distribute 1,000 Disaster Resilience Kits and provide hands-on instruction to help participants create an emergency plan, learn how to use the kit, and prepare for future emergencies.

We also operate 211 Metro Chicago, a 24/7/365 health and social services helpline where residents can get connected to critical disaster recovery resources. 

Events

Check out upcoming preparation workshops and other events. 

October 30, 2026

Get ready before disaster strikes. This free workshop will offer practical tools to prepare for flooding and other potential disasters in our community. This workshop is co-hosted by Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and American Red Cross of Illinois.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
4000 S Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60632 (BPNC Service Center)
A woman holds up an emergency kit and a man holds preparedness materials
Preparedness Tips

Five Steps You Can Take Now

Take these free or low-cost steps to prepare yourself, your family, your business, and your community for disaster.

Guía de Preparación (Español)

Member of United Way of Chicago's Young Leaders United packing emergency kits
Stories of Resilience

Preparing for Floods Together

Young Leaders United assembled disaster preparedness kits to help families in Chicago neighborhoods impacted by flooding.

Past Events

These events have concluded, but their impact continues.

Enlace Flood Preparedness Workshop
October 16, 2026
Enlace Flood Preparedness Workshop
Latinos Progresando Flood Preparedness Workshop
October 8, 2026
Latinos Progresando Flood Preparedness Workshop
Packing Supplies in a Trunk
October 2, 2026
The State of the Social Safety Net: Natural Disaster Impact and Response
Two volunteers collecting water bottles
September 24, 2026
Austin Coming Together Flood Preparedness Workshop

Contact Us

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 633

Chicago, IL, 60654

Email: info@211metrochicago.org

Phone: (312) 906-2350

Aerial photo of Chicago