Securing the Safety Net: Referrals, Need and Availability
211 provides information and referral services 24/7 to individuals in Nebraska and Iowa – connecting individuals with programs and resources to help with whatever circumstance they may be experiencing.
With more than 4,000 agencies across Iowa and Nebraska in its database, the reach of 211 is actually much larger. Agency listings are augmented by service, program and location listings that provide more specific detail on the resources available. Specialists are skilled at identifying and optimizing resources for individuals, so they have the best possible options for meeting their need(s). A need is considered met if 211 can provide at least one resource referral to the caller. On average, 211 callers in 2022 received 1.4 resources for each need met by our team of specialists. Several factors influence the number of resources provided to a caller.
- To ensure the highest possible chance of getting their need(s) met, specialists may provide more than one resource for a caller. For example, a caller looking for rental assistance may be referred to both rental and utility assistance programs.
- Criteria may also play a factor. For example, if a caller is seeking utility assistance, a specialist will compare their outstanding bill to funds available within a program. 211 will help individuals access as many programs or applications as necessary to pay the bill and maximize assistance, based on qualifications and criteria.
Callers with met needs receive the highest number of referrals for utility assistance and food and meals.
In 2022, 211 callers who had their need met received the highest number of referrals for utility assistance (2.3) and food and meals (2.19). This trend holds for the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro as well as the entire state, with the highest number of per-need resource referrals being for utility assistance and food and meals
Several factors could explain why the number of utility assistance and food referrals are higher than other categories. For instance, many food pantries have restrictions on frequency of use and available hours of operation. Because of these limits, specialists may offer multiple resources to meet caller needs. The number of utility assistance and food referrals provided can also be an indication that there is the widest variety of available resources in these areas of need. In areas of need where callers receive the lowest average number of referrals there are likely less programs available to meet this need. Emergency Rental Assistance is one exception to this trend, where in 2022, ERAP was the primary and often only referral point for callers since the funding needed to be spent and had minimal restrictions.
On average, 211 Callers Received 1.4 Referrals Per Need – More for Utility and Food Assistance
Average Number of Referrals by Need Category, Among Met Needs
According to a 2019 report commissioned by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Nebraska has more than 13,000 nonprofits and more public charities per 1,000 people than the U.S. overall. With 96% growth from 1995 to 2015 in the sector, more recent estimates now put the number of nonprofits in Nebraska closer to 15,000. Yet despite the organization of nonprofits, only 55% of respondents indicated the availability of community services is good or very good. With decreased giving overall, UWM’s discernment is critical to ensuring we have the resources we need.
Nebraska has 7 nonprofits per 1,000 people
The U.s. has 4.8 nonprofits per 1,000 people
In our survey of more than 750 callers to 211 from across Nebraska, 3 of 4 were able to access all or some of the services provided by specialists – and only 16% were unable to access any services. When asked what would have made it easier to access services, 40% of respondents said simply hearing back from the agency and 17% cited additional enrollment space. These responses reinforce feedback from nonprofit agencies, who continue to report job vacancies and hiring challenges, which impacts wait times and capacity. Statewide, more than 3 in 5 (61.2%) Nebraska nonprofits reported job vacancies and 24.5% reported longer waiting lists than before the pandemic. Virtual appointments and mobile services were also noted, but with less significance.
ACCESSING SERVICES
Geographic differences play into resource availability, as well. For instance, in 68140 (Nebraska City) callers received 1.5 referrals per need met for utility assistance compared with the statewide average of 2.3. And Nebraska City callers received 1.6 referrals for food and meals, compared with the statewide average of 2.19. This suggests that there are more limited resources available for the community in Nebraska City than elsewhere in the state.
| 68140 (Nebraska City) | Statewide Average | |
|---|---|---|
|
Utility Assistance |
1.5 |
2.3 |
|
Food |
1.6 |
2.19 |
Through program investments and direct services, UWM invests in a broad safety net and circle of support to ensure communities have access to resources. Collaboration and community voice across the safety net is critical to maximize resources and ensure services evolve with the demands of the communities served. Looking ahead, the expansion of 211’s database and ongoing collaboration with local community resources will further enhance our capacity to address the diverse needs of callers, ensuring they receive the most effective options and referrals tailored to their specific requirements.
SOURCES:
National Council of Nonprofits: Nonprofit Workforce Shortage Survey. 2023.
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands: Economic Impact Report. 2019.