211: Help Starts Here
When an emergency strikes, United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 211 is there to answer the call—24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether in times of natural disaster or personal crisis, 211 is committed to being the first and most essential resource to anyone who needs help.
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services online or over the phone. Call 211 and speak with a live, highly trained service professional in your area.
If you are outside of Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren Counties, or if you’re calling on a VOIP phone, you can call 1-844-875-9211 to reach the 211 call center.
You can also text your zip code to 898-211 to connect with a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve—and save—lives.
All calls and texts are private and confidential.
Every hour of every day, someone needs help. Whether it’s needing help with providing food for your family to job training, 211 is here.
You’ll find information about:
supplemental food and nutrition programs
shelter and housing options and utilities assistance
emergency information and disaster relief
employment and education opportunities
services for veterans
health care, vaccination, and health epidemic information
addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs
reentry help for ex-offenders
support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs
a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse
In the last funding year, there were 17,280 calls to 211 from residents of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Among the top requests for assistance were:
Food assistance
Utilities assistance
Housing assistance
Benton Harbor water situation