Day and night, the team at NC 211 talks to people who are experiencing hardship, feeling concerned about a family member, or simply need more information about resources in their area. As North Carolinians continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic, NC 211 serves as a consistent resource offering hope, comfort, and guidance. On February 11th, United Way of Wayne County will join NC 211 in celebrating National 211 Day and highlight the importance of this statewide service provided by United Way of North Carolina.
In 2021, NC 211 answered more than 160,000 calls, offering information about housing, utility assistance, healthcare, and more. These calls were answered by real people who are trained to identify and address root causes of a client’s problem. From the first hello, callers receive compassion and connection to help in their area.
“NC 211 not only provides accurate and up-to-date information, but also offers a personal approach that is unique.” Says Heather Black, NC 211 State Director. “Call specialists take the time to listen to the needs of callers and ask questions to understand how they can provide comprehensive assistance. Many people will call to find help with something like utility bills and realize throughout the conversation that they could also benefit from food, healthcare, or childcare services.”
One caller, named Olivia, reached out to NC 211 because she had fallen behind on rent payments. A few minutes into the conversation, the call specialist discovered that Olivia also did not have access to internet service. In addition to providing information about a rent assistance program, the specialist offered a referral for a broadband assistance program that could help cover the cost of internet service.
Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of United Way of Wayne County states, “We are so fortunate to have a partner in NC211 for our Wayne County citizens. It’s comforting to know that through everyday challenges or devasting disasters, we can rely on them for client focused support and resourceful responses.”
NC 211 is free, multilingual, and available 24/7/365. United Way of Wayne County is proud to support this service in conjunction with local United Way organizations throughout North Carolina and generous appropriations in the state budget.
“We are grateful for donors and corporate partners who help sustain NC 211 service in our community.” Says Sherry Archibald “Because of your support, our community members are able to get the information they need any day of the year.”
For those unable to make a phone call, visit nc211.org to search NC 211’s database of nearly 13,000 verified resources. After entering a search term and location, the website will display information about local programs and services.
Join the 211 Day celebration and learn more about NC 211 by following their social media campaign February 1-12 on Facebook (@nc211) and Twitter (@nc_211).
NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and supported by local United Ways across the state. Accessible via an easy-to-remember, three-digit number, families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services within their community.
