10 ways to share and support United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline

February represents more than just the continuation of a new year and new goals. It gives us the opportunity celebrate black history, learn about how to keep our hearts healthy, and spread the word about one of our community’s most crucial resources: United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline.

Nearly half of households in Southeastern Michigan struggle to meet their basic needs, and for these families, one minor setback can lead to a major crisis.

Thankfully, United Way’s dedicated 2-1-1 call center representatives answer calls from our neighbors who are in need — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

February is 2-1-1 Awareness Month, and we’re asking for help making sure that everyone who needs some help knows to dial 2-1-1. Here are 10 easy ways YOU can help.

Watch and share our 2-1-1 video

See the impact 2-1-1 makes in our community and hear from real people who reached out to our helpline and found the resources they needed. Share our video on social media, or just email it to your friends so we can support more of our neighbors in need.

Give out 2-1-1 cards

Our 2-1-1 cards provide an easy way to connect people to our helpline and spread awareness about 2-1-1. Give them to your friends, family and coworkers. Or, keep a few in your purse or car and hand them out when you see someone in need.

Extra credit: Post them on your local coffee shop’s bulletin board, or ask a gas station or restaurant to keep them at their check-out counter.

Visit our 2-1-1 toolkit to request cards at any time.

Share 2-1-1 success stories

Every year, more than 140,000 people who call 2-1-1 are connected with resources they desperately need.

Share just a few of the amazing stories about how 2-1-1 has helped our neighbors in need find housing, get access to food and receive utility assistance. Visit our blog and read one of our 2-1-1 success stories.

Put up a yard sign

Spreading awareness about United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline in your neighborhood is as easy as picking out a corner of your lawn. Grab attention and relay a lifesaving message to your neighbors. Contact us to request a yard sign today!

Visit the 2-1-1 webpage to learn more

Go to our 2-1-1 webpage and get connected! You can access our live chat to speak to a representative, or search the online database to access more than 30,000 different statewide programs and services.

Tell a friend, neighbor or family member about 2-1-1

You may not know that someone close to you is in need, so choose to share lifesaving information. United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help our neighbors in crisis. And it’s available anywhere in the state of Michigan. So call your friend in Marquette or text your brother in Grand Rapids and tell them: 2-1-1 is there for you!

Donate to support 2-1-1

Every five minutes, someone in crisis contacts 2-1-1. This is hard work, but with the support of our donors, we’re able to keep the phone lines open every hour of every day.

One $5 donation funds one call to 2-1-1, connecting that caller with resources that could literally save their life.

Make a donation today and help us make sure we’re able to answer every call.

Host an event

Our 2-1-1 helpline is available for anyone in need, no matter the reason for their call. That’s why it’s the perfect cause to rally around with your friends or coworkers. Grab a few friends and a stack of 2-1-1 cards and host an afternoon of neighborhood canvassing. Ask your employer to display 2-1-1 materials in break rooms, or at a company event. Instead of gifts, ask for donations to support 2-1-1 on your next birthday.

Got bigger ideas? Contact us!

Volunteer with our partners

When calls to 2-1-1 increase — like during the cold winter months — our partner organizations need for volunteer help increases, too. Thankfully, we make it easy to find volunteer opportunities now and all year long through our Seasons of Caring initiative. From tutoring children to packing and sorting food, there are so many ways to give back as a volunteer.

Visit our volunteer portal today to sign up.

Whatever little or big ways you can help, we appreciate it. Together, we can build stable households across Southeastern Michigan by spreading awareness about United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline.