211
For 16 years, I worked for the State of Michigan, and we would partner with 211 for community workshops. Whenever the 211 guy came in, I’d always say, “I want to do what he does, because he has so much energy.”
When I lost my job, I was looking for something in my wheelhouse. Service is my calling, and I truly believe it’s the very purpose of life— not just something you do in your spare time.
In two short months, I started working for United Way as a community care advocate. 211 is essential. We provide basic needs so that our community members can survive. You know, we’re all a few paychecks away from homelessness, if we don’t have people to depend on.
As a single mother, I was lucky to be the youngest of six, so I had my mom, dad, brothers and sisters, all saying “What do you need help with?” Even with backup, it’s not easy to make the call and ask.
When my son was two, I got behind on my rent, and I called my dad because they were going to put us out. He said, “Here I come,” and something that stuck with me, “Don’t wait, call me.” That day, he paid my rent six months in advance.
Knowing most people do not have that support, I realized we have to be the mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles for people who are calling 211.
That’s why it breaks my heart when somebody calls after their gas and lights are already cut off. I’m reminded of my dad and I tell them, “If you’ve been out of work six months, you could have called us at month number one.”
I love being the voice that says, “Hey, we got you. What else can we help you with?” And then saying, “Feel free to call us anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” There’s always somebody there to answer the phone.
Sometimes people call at 3 a.m., and they just need somebody to listen and let them know they’re not alone, so that’s what we do.
Everybody has a moment in their life when they thought, “Lord, why me?” On the phone I tell callers, “You’re in your valley period, in the next minute, you’ll be on a hill.”
Even though sometimes you can’t help with everything, it’s about giving them a lifeline.
– Tracy Mobley, Community Care Advocate
