State lawmaker representing Southwest Michigan sponsors resolution making the week of Feb. 11 “Michigan 211 Week”
Feb. 11 is “National 211 Day” to raise awareness of the critical 211 call service that can improve—and save—lives. United Way of Southwest Michigan funds 211 in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
LANSING — State Rep. Joey Andrews, who represents the 38th House District that covers parts of Berrien and Van Buren counties, sponsored a House Resolution recognizing the week of Feb. 11. as “Michigan 211 Week.” Rep. Andrews introduced the resolution to the House on Feb. 14 during the “Fall in Love with 211" Legislative Day of Action, organized by the Michigan Association of United Ways.
A free, confidential information and referral service, 211 connects people to health and human services over the phone. Callers to 211 speak with a live, local, and highly trained service professional. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, 211 is the first and essential resource for anyone who needs help.
Rep. Andrews, a native of St. Joseph, who was elected to the State House in 2022, said in this remarks on the House floor: “For those of you who aren’t familiar, 211 is a one-stop shop. It directs to public and private resources for everything from utilities assistance to covid vaccine availability. More than 430,000 individuals dialed 211 last year alone to find programs and agencies to support them. … When Michiganders have nowhere to turn, they dial 211. That’s why I’m asking my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to recognize the valued services that 211 provides to all our communities.”
“211 is a vital service for all community members in Southwest Michigan. Similar to how 911 connects people to emergency services, 211 connects people to community services like food, housing, childcare, and more,” said Heather Cole, Director of Advocacy and Public Innovation at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “United Way of Southwest Michigan is proud to support this resource in our community that helps so many people get connected to the support they need.”
During “Fall in Love with 211” Legislative Day of Action, staff from United Ways across Michigan met with legislators and their staff at the State Capitol to build relationships, educate them about the importance of 211, thank them for their current funding, and ask for a funding increase of $7.05 million in the next state budget. The Governor's current budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year includes a significant recommended increase of $1 million for Michigan 211, but the Michigan Association of United Ways is seeking more legislative champions for an even greater increase.
211 connects callers with:
• 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. The top requests were for food, utilities, and housing assistance. Last year, 433,000 individuals across the state of Michigan contacted 211 for help.
Visit uwsm.org/2-1-1 for more information.
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
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