United Way 2-1-1 has reported that since July 2019 it has handled more than 100,000 calls from the community. The announcement comes ahead of the organization’s annual “2-1-1 Day” celebration, happening on Feb. 11, to raise awareness on this free, 24/7, information and referral service.
“Seeing that our 2-1-1 community resource advisors have taken more than 100,000 phone calls brings about conflicting emotions,” said Wendy Pestrue, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Toledo.
“On one hand, I have a great sense of pride that, especially during this pandemic, we have been there to answer someone’s call for help. On the other hand, this number brings so much gravity to how many folks are deeply hurting right now.”
Last year, United Way celebrated “2-1-1 Day” with in-person educational sessions and an evening reception, which highlighted how 2-1-1 can assist community members in times of need. This year, the organization will be celebrating virtually, with a Facebook Watch Party and Facebook Fundraiser. Additionally, United Way of Greater Toledo’s various social media accounts will be sharing videos, written content and visual graphics throughout the day on how 2-1-1 can connect individuals to various resources – from housing, food and utilities – to employment, health care and legal assistance.
“Over the last year, we have seen 2-1-1’s utilization from those we serve in Lucas, Ottawa and Wood County grow exponentially,” said Jill Bunge, senior director of community impact at United Way of Greater Toledo.
“In 2020 alone, 2-1-1 handled nearly 60,000 contacts. This includes phone calls, online chats, text messages and emails, on top of almost 20,000 webpage visits we had to 211nwo.org,” she said.
More recently, since Ohio began its COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, United Way 2-1-1 has been assisting community members, and the health departments of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood County, with vaccine registration and information sharing. Those logistics on how 2-1-1 is helping are noted in United Way’s previous release.
This assistance has led to record-breaking numbers, never seen before by staff. The organization has shared that, in January of 2021 alone, United Way 2-1-1 received over 16,000 contacts. In a traditional month, the program finds itself handling 4,500-6,000 contacts. The last 2-1-1 record was broken in March 2020, when 2-1-1 community resource advisors received more than 9,000 contacts, mostly for breakfast and lunch meal reservations once school districts stopped in-person learning, and students found themselves without the food they usually receive during school hours.
“Our 2-1-1 community resource advisors are heroes. They are each handling hundreds of calls a day, often absorbing that emotional distress of the caller and doing all they can to help. It is admirable to say the least and I know they will be remembered for their courageous work,” said Pestrue. United Way 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7, 365-day health and human services referral resource for anyone in Lucas, Ottawa and Wood County. To speak with a 2-1-1 Community Resource Advisor, simply dial two, one, one; text your zip code to 898-211; or send an instant message at www.211nwo.org.
