Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021: 5 New Things about the 211 Helpline

These lesser-known frontline community heroes are connecting people impacted by COVID-19 to assistance, 24/7.

Our 211 Helpline specialists were community heroes in 2020—a resource for nearly 180,000 who found themselves in need of support during these unprecedented times. While the pandemic continues to affect day-to-day life, our specialists are geared up to serve our community as they answer more than 273 calls for help a day. Learn more about what’s new at 211 in 2021!

1. New App

Callers can now find the help they need through our new app in addition to calling 2-1-1, texting their zip code to 898211 or finding support services on NE211.org. The 211 Nebraska/SW Iowa App is available now for Android and Apple products and allows users to find the resources they need and save information that they can access offline as well. Download the app and get connected today!

Download the 211 Nebraska/SW Iowa App for Android or Apple today.

2. A New Nebraska 211 Site

United Way of the Midlands is excited to announce the launch of its brand new Nebraska 211 site, NE211.org! While the 211 Helpline will continue to serve Southwest Iowa residents, growth in call volume and partnerships across the river created the need for a Nebraska-focused resource online. NE211.org has the same functionality as the 211 Iowa site, which was previously shared with Nebraska, but is more tailored to services and resources in Nebraska.

3. New Space

Previously 211 was housed in a large conference room at United Way of the Midlands. Starting in spring of 2019, during catastrophic flooding in our region, calls to the hotline have been elevated – and the pandemic increased volumes even more. That meant the 211 team needed more space, equipment and Community Resource Specialists to assist callers in our community who are struggling. While our Community Resource Specialists are still working from home, as soon as it is safe to do so they will be able to work in this new space.

4. New Partnerships

Help Me Grow, Children’s Hospital, CyncHealth, Munroe Meyer, and Answers4Families are included in a network that services children 0-8 years old and their families. 211 is the Central Access Point for this network and our staff are trained to assist this network in helping patients find support services they need.

5. New Services Coming Soon

NE 211 and United Way of the Midlands are starting to work with community partners to help connect job-seekers with resources to navigate their job search and find employment. This new collaboration is in the very early stages but a necessity, especially in the wake of COVID-19. The pandemic showed us how local residents, especially those who are under-served, need help finding suitable work. This new collaboration will allow users from across the state to access the resources and support services they need.

211 is for everyone.

No matter how big or small the issue is, 211 is there to support you. By calling 211, texting your zip code to 898211, or using the app, you can learn more about local services and funding that can help you get back on your feet.

211 Helpline specialists help our community find:

Addictions
Clothing & Household
Courts & Crime
Education
Family
Financial Assistance
Food
Government
Health
Hotlines
Housing
Income & Employment
Legal & Customer
Mental Health
Senior & Disability
Transportation
Utilities
Veteran/Miliary
and more.

Get in touch today

Call: 211 or (402)444-6666

Text: Your zip code to 898211

Download the 211 Nebraska/SW Iowa App on: Android or Apple

Visit the 211 webpage for more

Here’s how YOU can support 211.

1. Donate what you can through the form below. Proceeds will support 211 to connect more people in need to resources that can help.

2. Share a social media post about the helpline. Feel free to share one from one of our profiles:

About the Author

Emily is the Marketing Coordinator at United Way of the Midlands. She helps the team with all aspects of marketing projects. Emily finds it incredibly rewarding to be able to support our community through storytelling. Emily enjoys reading a good book, podcasts, and volunteering.