We still hear this question a lot - "What does 2-1-1 do, anyway?"
Simply put, 2-1-1 is a community connection to services and information that anyone in our community can access. All services are confidential and free of charge. By calling 2-1-1 (or 866-485-0211 from a cell phone), you can get help or information on crisis hotlines, food and clothing, housing and utility assistance, aging services, disaster recovery, mental health services, volunteer opportunities, health and medical needs, legal assistance, donation referrals, substance abuse services, and so much more.
Sure, you can try to find this information through an online search engine or even a phone book. But unless you know exactly what you are looking for, those searches can be time-consuming and inaccurate. 2-1-1 community specialists are trained to problem solve and help callers connect with available resources that can address their specific issue. 2-1-1's extensive database of local agencies and resources can help community members access information and help they may not have known even existed.
It can be difficult to truly understand the importance and impact of 2-1-1's services until you really need them.
Check out these powerful videos for a glimpse into a day-in-the-life of a United Way 2-1-1 community specialist, and see how they are impacting our community on a daily basis.
Here's a short 30-second PSA to start:
And if you have a little more time, be sure to watch this 5-minute version. (Hint: have your tissues ready!)
Footage of the callers in those videos is from the heart-wrenching documentary American Winter, which aired on HBO earlier this year.
There are many ways you can connect with 2-1-1 in Larimer County:
United Way of Larimer County is committed to providing this important service in our community. Thank you to our donors and supporters who make that possible.
Copyright 2015 United Way of Larimer County
