The pandemic has brought about many challenges to our community. Many of our neighbors are having trouble meeting basic needs. But the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro helps one another, and one of the key organizations in providing that help has been the 211 Helpline.
The 211 Helpline connects our community with more than 13,000 programs and services across NE and IA. In 2020, they received over 273 phone calls a day, over 180,000 requests for help and have continued to be a consistent resource in the community in an ever-changing environment.
The 211 Helpline has become a place where anyone can turn to for guidance no matter what challenges they are facing. This 211 Day, we wanted to highlight what this service means to our community. And we thought the best people for the job were our Community Resource Specialists. They are the heroes who are connecting individuals with the services and programs they need. Below hear from our Community Resource Specialists on the impact the 211 Helpline makes in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.
“211 is an important service within our community because it provides all community resources and information into one place/phone call.”
– Kelsey
“Having a phone number where the members of the community can speak to an actual person has been comforting for so many of our callers. Getting information from a person has been a relief for those who have struggled to find the information they are seeking through the endless links on the internet.”
– Katie
“[211] provides a kind voice to people who are experiencing hardship without judgment.”
– Holly
“The community knows that they can come to us without thinking twice. Also, we provide the human touch.”
– Sonia
“We try to help as many people as possible, no matter what type of situation they are going through. We want our community to feel like we are family and stand together.”
– Perla
Some heroes wear capes. These ones wear headsets!
We are so thankful for our Community Resource Specialists who connect our community to support services 24/7, as well as United Way staff members who stepped up to take phone calls during the height of the pandemic. Your hard work keeps our community thriving!
To get connected to assistance call 2-1-1, text your zipcode to 898211 or download the 211 Nebraska/SW Iowa App today.
211 is for everyone.
No matter how big or small the issue is, 211 is there to support you. By calling 211 or texting your zip code to 898211, 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:
- Tax Help
- Shelter
- Food pantries
- Utility assistance
- Rent assistance
- Domestic violence services
- Counseling
- Legal services
- Clothing
- Support Groups
- Healthcare services
- and more.
Get in touch today
Call: 211 or (402)444-6666
Text: Your zip code to 898211
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.
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