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United Way of Southwest Minnesota Recognizes the Vital Community Hotline on National 211 Day
February 11th (2/11) is National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7, three-digit (2-1-1) resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in southwest Minnesota The three-digit service connects information about resources and services available in one’s community.
Based on the latest 211 Impact Survey Data, 211 triaged over 20 million requests and, in southwest Minnesota, responded to 426 people in the community accessing help for immediate or long-term challenges.
211 is a vital resource leveraged by residents who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing, utility payment, veteran services, childcare, and other related needs. Other key facts about 211:
• 211 is 24/7, free and confidential, and accessible in 99 percent of communities
• 211 is offered in over 180 languages
• 211 specialists offer empathetic, non-judgmental care - and these trained specialists connect individuals and families to a range of available resources to meet their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
“211 is an unmatched, critical, go-to service that provides connection and support to those who need help for a range of needs,” said Meg Louwagie, CEO of United Way of Southwest Minnesota. “During 211 Day, we aim to express appreciation to the call specialists who provide support to help our community members and celebrate this lifeline that is helping thousands here in our community.”
Established in 2000 by the Federal Communications Commission as the three-digit number to reach information and referral services for health, human, and social organizations, today, 211 is a resource for help and hope in communities across North America.
While 211 is available every day of the year, it is especially helpful during times of disaster, such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires, by helping to spread accurate and vetted information—while ensuring 911 calls are reserved for physical emergencies.
For 211 Day, the United Way of Southwest Minnesota encourages residents to:
- Call, text, or chat 211 if they or someone they know needs help
- Share 211 widely with their neighbors, family and friends to connect others to help and support
- Advocate to your local policymakers for the importance of and need to strengthen 211