February 11 Marks 2-1-1 Day!
It can be challenging for individuals and families to seek help when they need it most, and even more difficult to find the right resources – resources that are in your community, available to you, and vetted to serve your specific need.
A solution to those challenges? Michigan 2-1-1. Michigan 2-1-1 is a free-to-use, confidential service that connects those seeking answers and assistance with local community-based organizations throughout the state. 2-1-1 is powered by real people — trained community resource specialists who work to identify and address the root causes of a client’s problem. That means from the first hello, someone in crisis is reaching a real person who can provide a connection to help.
We know the need in Michigan is real. Over 1.5 million families struggle to afford the very basics every year and 2-1-1 is the efficient, effective, and non-bureaucratic tool to help their needs get met. In 2021 alone, Michigan 2-1-1 responded to more than 725,000 requests for assistance. More than half of those requests were for housing, utility assistance, and health care – the basics of the ALICE survival budget. In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 2-1-1 is here to help every person in every community find food, pay for housing and bills, and connect to other essential services.
“Our 2-1-1 program is the epitome of community action,” said Mike Larson, MAUW President and CEO. “We are here to help all our communities in need – whether it be a serious problem or a simple question on where to go for support. No matter the ask, Michigan 2-1-1 will always have an answer.”
The needs are vast, but so are the resources. Michigan 2-1-1’s comprehensive database holds updated information on more than 7,000 health and human services agencies that offer close to 28,000 services across the Mitten State. 2-1-1 is available, whether you want to give help or get help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898211, or visiting www.mi211.org.
Whether it’s finding out more about arts, culture, and recreation, identifying where to go to address clothing and household needs, or securing disaster and health care services, 2-1-1 is a longstanding community resource that stands ready to connect people to the help they need across the great state of Michigan.
Today, February 11, take the time to learn more about Michigan 2-1-1 and the local organizations that are providing essential services to meet the needs of residents across the state.
From hello to help, Michigan 2-1-1 is there.