2-1-1: Connecting people in need with a shortcut to help
™
What is 2-1-1 and how can it help people?
Calling 2-1-1 provides individuals and families in need with a shortcut to accessing assistance for health and human services. By dialing 2-11, those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate agencies and community organizations, many of them nonprofits. The call center helps connect callers quickly, confidentially and seamlessly to services for elderly, the disabled, those not speaking English, those in a personal crisis, those with low reading skills and those who simply are embarrassed and confused as to who to call for help.
United Way of America partnered with the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and on July 20, 2000 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved United2-1-1 Wayfor nationwide use as a short number for help in the United States. Currently 95 Montcalm-Ionia Counties percent of the population of the United States (including Puerto Rico and Washington, DC) have access to 2-1-1 services.
In Montcalm and Ionia counties, 2-1-1 services were suspended in January of 2016 but were resumed with increased capacity and service delivery in June of 2018. Now, 2-1-1 can be reached from your phone or mobile device. You can dial 2-1-1; text your zip code and need to 898-211; search the 2-1-1 database online. Help is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Types of Referrals Offered by 2-1-1
• Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing banks, shelters, rent and utility assistance.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources – including health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, and drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
WE DON’T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. JUST MOST OF THEM. MAKE THE RIGHT CALL CALL 9-1-1
• Housing & Utility Services • Food Pantries • Fraud & Identity
• Abduction • Robbery
• Report Domestic Violence • Suspicious Activity
CALL 2-1-1
FOR HELP WITH EVERYTHING ELSE Protection • Disaster Relief • Tax Preparation • Veterans Services
• • • •
Counceling Services Childcare Alcohol Treatment Job Assistance
Whether in times of natural disaster or personal crisis, 211 is committed to being the first, most essential resource to anyone who needs non-emergency help. To support 211 financially in Montcalm and Ionia counties, you can donate online at www.liveunitedm-i.org (click on DONATE) or by mailing a check to United Way, 302 S. Bridge Street, Belding Mi 48809. Please note “211” in the memo field. 24
• Heart Attack or Stroke • Impaired Driving
• • • •
Legal Service Healthcare Credit Counseling And Many More!
Call, Text, Email, or Chat ™ 24/7/365
United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties
275822
• Home Fire • Medical Emergency
FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES
2020
