2-1-1 Offers Shortcut to Help

2-1-1: What is 2-1-1 and how can it help people? Calling 2-1-1 provides individuals and families Connecting in need with a shortcut to accessing assistance for health and human services. By dialing 2-1people in need 1, those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate with a shortcut to help 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 United Way 2-1-1 for nationwide use as a short number Montcalm-Ionia Counties for help in the United States. Currently 95 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

FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES • Home Fire • Abduction • Report Domestic Violence • Heart Attack or Stroke • Medical Emergency • Robbery • Suspicious Activity • Impaired Driving

CALL 2-1-1

FOR HELP WITH EVERYTHING ELSE • Housing & Utility Protection • Counceling Services • Legal Service

Services • Disaster Relief • Childcare • Healthcare • Food Pantries • Tax Preparation • Alcohol Treatment • Credit Counseling • Fraud & Identity • Veterans Services • Job Assistance • And Many More!

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.

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United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties