What is Southwest Michigan 2-1-1?

Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 is a free informational and referral services hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all Allegan, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren County residents. Southwest Michigan  2-1-1 provides information about local services and programs available to those in need.

Who can use Southwest Michigan 2-1-1?

Anyone in Allegan, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.  If you're looking for assistance with a problem and you don't know where to turn, or you simply want information on a particular human service issue, 2-1-1 is for you.  If you are outside our service region, click here to find the 2-1-1 nearest you!    

Who Answers the Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 Calls?

At Southwest Michigan 2-1-1, all the 2-1-1 calls are answered by trained professionals.  Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 will use the award-winning services of
Gryphon Place. Gryphon Place staff is highly trained in skills that empower callers to make life-enhancing decisions. They specialize in linking people to appropriate community resources.  Whether a person needs help locating a specific service or is having trouble securing basic needs, we can help. Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 operates 24 hours a day—365 days a year. Calls are confidential and answered with respect, empathy and compassion. Gryphon Place are experts in suicide prevention and are fully certified by the American Association of Suicidology. Gryphon Place is part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network and meet national standards for Best Practices for Suicide Prevention Hot Lines.   Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 is endorsed by Michigan AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems).  

Is there another way to access Southwest Michigan2-1-1’s services?

You can access the data base online. If you are unable to reach our services by dialing 2-1-1, you can also reach us at (269) 925-7707 or call toll-free at 1-800-310-5454.  Please note that Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 will not be implemented until January 2010.  Please use the alternate numbers until then.  Thank you.

Is there a charge for this service?

No. Using Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 service is free.

Why is there a need for 2-1-1?

Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 provides a central resource for local community services and information. Rather than multiplying resources and expense through maintaining various hotlines and making it more difficult for people to find information when they need help, 2-1-1 provides a quick, easy-to-remember way to access community information.

Who can be listed in Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 database?

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies can be listed as well as their programs or services. These organizations and agencies must provide health and human services to Michigan residents in order to be listed in the database. Please read our inclusion  policy for more information about having your agency or organization included in the database. If your organization would like to be listed in the database please complete the Southwest Michigan 2-1-1 survey.  The survey contains terms and required data elements which are necessary for our system to be in compliance with nation and state accreditation standards so it is essential that your organization complete the survey in its entirety.

How do you collect and update information in your database?

The 2-1-1 database is updated daily as changes in local services and resources occur. If you see information in our database that is incorrect, please contact us.