February 11 (2/11) is National 2-1-1 Day  in recognition of the free, confidential, easy to remember phone number that connects people to essential community resources. For 12 years 2-1-1 has been taking calls from Hoosiers in need and connecting them to local services. Dial  2-1-1 to find assistance with needs like food, housing, employment, child care, health care, counseling, and senior services. Speak with a call specialist anytime day or night -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the complete 2-1-1 database online at any time. 

 

Last year, 3,855 Monroe and Owen county residents who needed help dialed 2-1-1. Call specialists made 5,728 referrals to community resources. The top needs were housing, utility assistance, and food. But not all needs are met. In fact, 12% of Monroe County callers needed help that was not available, mainly due to lack of programs or because existing programs were already full. Your donation can help ensure we have the programs available that help people at their moment of need.

 

Many clients face barriers to being able to get the help they need. Locally, the most common underlying situations that callers face are illness, disability, and reduction in employment hours or income. Of people who call 2-1-1 for assistance and then contact the referrals, 82% report an improvement in their situation.

 

This confidential service continues to help thousands of local community members alleviate crises by connecting them to the right resources.