Program connects people to vital resources

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Feb. 11 is the day that United Ways all across the country recognize and bring awareness to the 211 program. Mayor Chris Meyer assisted the Marshfield Area United Way again this year by officially proclaiming Feb. 11, 2016, as “United Way’s 211 Day” in Marshfield.

A free, confidential, and easy-to-remember phone number, 211 connects people to essential community resources. United Way’s 211 also tracks caller needs and uses that information to analyze trends, such as identifying gaps in services. Referral specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with information and resources.

In 2015 United Way’s 211 received approximately 4,000 calls for information and referrals in its service area, which includes Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Iron, Juneau, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Washburn, and Wood Counties. In addition to the thousands of calls received, United Way’s 211 online database received more than 34,000 hits throughout the year.

The following were the 10 most common resources sought in 2015 from callers from the Marshfield area: rent payment assistance, food pantries, electric service payment assistance, housing authorities, homeless motel vouchers, rental deposit assistance, inpatient drug/alcohol treatment, AARP tax aid, the Aging and Disability Resource Center, and inpatient drug/alcohol abuse treatment facilities.

United Way’s 211 is a partnership of Marshfield Area United Way and United Way of Inner Wisconsin. For more information contact United Way’s 211 by dialing the three-digit number or by calling 1-877-947-2211. Individuals can also find resources online at getconnected211.org.