When there is an emergency, we know to call 9-1-1 for help. Who do we call when we need community health and human service resources? The answer is United Way’s 2-1-1 service.
According to NC211.org, there are 30,000 nonprofits in North Carolina. It can be difficult to identify all of the resources that are available in a quick, one-step process. 2-1-1 makes this easy by connecting you to the services that you need. If you want to contact a food bank, would like to learn about child care, are in need of counseling, or are seeking other services, 2-1-1 is the number to call. It is free, multilingual, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“2-1-1 is a resource anyone can utilize and it is confidential,” said Julia Cox, leadership giving manager of the United Way of Greater Greensboro. “People in our community need help more than ever and everyone’s circumstance is different. 2-1-1 will work with callers regardless of the health or human service needed. It is a hand up, not a handout.”
If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation, 2-1-1 can connect you to these opportunities. 2-1-1 also offers communities data about needs in the area, which is critical when developing strategies to meet those demands. So, pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 to learn what resources and opportunities are available.
2-1-1 offers many services where you can find:
- Free legal advice
- Basic services in our area
- A calendar of health events
- Diapers, formula or clothes for new or expecting mothers
- Information about immigration services
- Donated medical supplies
- Information about drug rehabilitation programs
- Educational resources and a job placement center
- HIV testing in the area
- Support to stop smoking
- Affordable housing
This post was written by Crystal Edwards Oldham for The Greensboro Voice. Crystal teaches Introduction to Communication Studies at UNCG and will complete her graduate program in May. She dedicates her free time to leading community projects and volunteering. She values meeting new people, hearing their stories and expanding her worldview.
