For Immediate Release: February 9, 2023
Governor Pillen Declares February 11 “211 Day” in the State of Nebraska
Every hour of every day, someone in Nebraska is faced with a challenge and needs assistance. The 211
Helpline, housed at United Way of the Midlands (UWM), connects people looking for assistance to local
programs that can help. And this year, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is declaring February 11 as “211 Day” in the State of Nebraska.
The 211 Helpline is an essential service offered to the entire state of Nebraska – all 93 counties – as well as western Iowa. It provides free information and referral services to people who may not know how to find or access local programs to address their needs. Nebraska 211 places neighbors in touch with the resources they need, and trained specialists provide referrals for food pantries, housing and utility assistance, employment support, child care, mental health services and more. No matter the situation, Nebraska 211 is available to provide assistance and help unite and strengthen communities across Nebraska and Iowa.
In 2022 alone, the 211 Helpline recorded more than 364,000 contacts – a nearly 40% increase from 2021– with callers’ top five needs being: housing, utility assistance, employment, healthcare and food.
With the ongoing increase in contacts, UWM is grateful to Governor Pillen, State Senator Mike McDonnell and the entire State Legislature, as well as other private and public funding, for their support of the 211 Helpline. Without their continued support, our work wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Connected to more than 13,000 programs and services across Nebraska and Iowa, the 211 Helpline provides multiple points of access for those looking to receive assistance easily and confidentially. Via ne211.org, Nebraskans can access an online database of local health and human service programs, community services, governmental programs and more. Iowans can find assistance via the existing 211iowa.org site. Individuals can also access similar information via the 211 Nebraska/SW Iowa app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices – or by texting their ZIP code to 898211 or dialing 2-1-1 to communicate directly with a trained 211 Community Resource Specialist. Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year, in over 240 languages using the tele-interpreter service and bilingual staff.
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About United Way of the Midlands
For 100 years, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors to create a Circle of Support that helps our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a better future. UWM’s funded programs and direct services address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation and job training. For more information, visit unitedwaymidlands.org