Every now and then, we all need a little help; however, many times, we don’t know exactly where to turn. From Hello to Help, United Way 211/CAUW is here, and it will continue to be.
United Way 211/CAUW does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, every call is answered by a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions - from the first hello to the final connection to help. In a crisis, disaster or pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in every community get connected to available resources for finding food, paying housing bills and connecting to other essential services.
In 2021, the national 211 network fielded over 20 million requests. Real people, not an automated system, answered these requests and gave people the resources they needed. Real crises were assisted by real people – and these real people offered real solutions.
Locally, from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, the Capital Area United Way service area received over 49,000 calls to 211. In addition, during the same time period, we assisted 14,951 people were assisted with COVID-related calls. These numbers show that 211 is vital to assisting the 10-parish area, and it continued to be important during the pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, we have answered over 36,649 calls related to COVID-19. Since the launch of our texting program, we have responded to 137 texts and counting, and over 700 mobile users have texted GETSNAP to learn about SNAP benefits.
211 is not just a resource for those that are struggling. Every citizen can call or text 211 on behalf of a friend, neighbor, or relative that is in need of help and guidance. The call specialists will provide you resources that you can pass along as a way to advocate on behalf of others and ensure each person has a little bit of help and hope during rough times.
If you need help, please reach out to 211 by simply dialing 211 or 225-923-2114; you can text your zip code to 898-211 M-F from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; or you can visit www.cauw.org/211 to search for resources. In addition, there is a line designated for teens that they can text during a crisis which is 504-777-EASE.
Regardless of your needs, 211 is here for you at all times, 24/7, 365 days a year!
To learn more, read the 2020-2021 Year End Report. You can also see how United Way 211/CAUW helped a real person by viewing her story here.
