211 – A Network United in Data!
Our network contact centers are an entry point to the social sector for 50,000 people a day. Now imagine bringing to life the power of 211 in every doctor’s office, pharmacy, utility company, school district, or even big box retailer. Or partnering with big tech on population health initiatives to identify services gaps in areas of greatest need. There are even opportunities to partner with the federal government to improve disaster response, coordination, and recovery. The NDP is helping our network be better positioned to drive policy, funding, and impact decisions at the highest levels.
“I asked ChatGPT for help finding food and this is what happened...”
ChatGPT is at the top of everyone’s mind—whether it is being used as a tool to help draft a cover letter, weekly meal plan, or even a 211.org blog post. But what happens when someone goes to ChatGPT for help?
Finding Help for Pet Families, 211 Connects with PetHelpFinder.org
Communities nationwide turn to 211 every day to find the help that they need. We know that both pets and their humans suffer when people cannot obtain care for their animals. We know that bonded families thrive when kept together.
211 Makes Connections and Gets Help
A 16-year-old, pregnant girl found herself homeless in Denver. After seeing the number on a poster at Denver Human Services, she called 211 Colorado. The 211 resource navigator who answered the phone realized the girl needed more than just food assistance. She asked a few questions, then connected the girl to a shelter and to transitional housing for pregnant women. And she set up a time to call the girl back to help her apply for food benefits, provided additional resources for clothing and basic needs for her and the baby, and more.
Our Neighborhood Heroes
Inspiration can shine from anyone that cares enough to show compassion for others. For Black History Month, it is just as important to celebrate the heroes next door as it is to celebrate the leaders represented in mainstream media.
Bridges Out of Poverty - Where Miracles Happen
Yes, this may be the 50th call today you’ve taken about food, but are you really listening to what is being said, and doing so in a kind and courteous manner?
Help is on the Way!
Help is on the way! November is National Family Caregiver’s Month; a time devoted to honoring Americans who care for their aging or disabled loved ones, and one phone call to 211 can make a difference for the better.
A Season of Caring
We know that our callers need more than an internet search, they need a conversation that addresses an individual or family's needs in a much more comprehensive and personalized way.
950 Days Ago
In mid-March 2020, the 211 network was activated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic – and for the last 950 days #Team211 has delivered some amazing results and impact.
Hunger Action Month: Get Inspired, Then Do Something!
Working as a VISTA at United Way Worldwide, I get lots of behind-the-scenes views of local action to reduce hunger. I'm amazed by the United Way network’s creative solutions, community engagement and dedicated work to alleviate hunger around the world.
211 & Suicide Prevention
The Crisis Continuum of Care is built on somewhere to call, somewhere to go, and someone to come to you. Working together, we can build the foundation of the Crisis Continuum of Care: somewhere to call. Together we can provide help and hope, increase safety, build lives worth living and reduce suicide.
Infant Formula, DoorDash, and Beautiful Opportunities!
By the end of Monday, May 16th, just three days after the HHS announcement, HandsOn River Region 211 had a plan and an active resource for infant formula access and delivery!
Back to School: The Top Ten Things to Know About Online University Classes
While many students are back in traditional classrooms, the trend toward online learning has only grown. As long-time online instructors, here are the Top Ten things we’d love you to know about online schooling.
Closing the Loop for New Jersey’s Kids
Addressing social determinants of health is the foundation of NJ 211’s mission. NJ 211 is rooted in New Jersey and has relationships with communities throughout the state and has worked side by side with agencies that provide the social/medical services for years. In August 2020, because of NJ 211’s expertise with providing and tracking community resources, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Central New Jersey approached NJ 211 to determine if they would be able to assist with the New Jersey Integrated Care for kids (NJ InCK) project.
1M Food Deliveries Completed through Ride United
United Way, the 24-7 resource that is 211, DoorDash, and hundreds of local partners across the country recently completed 1 million free deliveries of food and essentials since 2020 through Ride United: Last Mile Delivery. This was the result of much hard work providing free deliveries (powered by DoorDash) of food and essential items for 55,000+ neighbors across 36 states. More than 50 United Ways and 211s have partnered with 800+ community partners to identify people who need food and other essential items delivered.
211 Celebrates the Launch of 988
Today we celebrate finding another path, fitting in another piece of the puzzle, and making the map one step easier to navigate, thanks to the creation of our newest three-digit dialing code, 988.
988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Coming Out of Closets
During PRIDE month as we celebrate diversity and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community, the 211 service is available to anyone coming out of closets and sharing their difficult situations. Diversity is a benchmark of the 211 network with PRIDE month as a beautiful celebration of this work – and it’s something we honor every day of the year.
Answering the Call
Across our country June 19th is being recognized as the historically celebrated holiday Juneteenth. While we celebrate this historical day in which impactful information was shared, let us recognize that our work of sharing information can play a vital role in supporting systemic change in our country, with a direct effect on the Black community and other people of color.
Mental Health Beyond May
211 is in the unique position to alleviate some of the stress associated with seeking Health, Education and Financial Stability resources. Through Ride United Transportation Access and Ride United Last Mile Delivery, 211 can help remove access barriers by providing transportation. When people call 211, they are in need of a service and often don’t know where else to turn for help.
Caring for Caregivers
AARP and United Way Worldwide & 211 Partner with Local Teams to Provide Caregiver Support
SXSW / UWW / DoorDash
Between March 11-20, creative industries from across the globe joined together in Austin, Texas to discuss how they use innovation and creativity to face today’s toughest global issues.
United Way 211 Partnership with Handyman Connection Keeps Southeastern Michigan Residents Safe In Their Homes
Handyman Connection is fulfilling an important part of our program’s efforts to help families keep their homes safe. Joe Cox, owner of @HandymanConnectionofAnnArbor, uses his team’s home repair and renovation expertise to make an impact in our community, donating labor and materials for home improvement projects of area residents in need. Thank you for your continued support, Joe and team!
On National Pet Day, Reflect on the Importance of Ritual and Family
On National Pet Day, United Way celebrates our Ride United program partners, PetSmart Charities and DoorDash, as we expand our Pets Eating Too (PET) work to help more pet owners care for their fur babies.
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