When a community member is in crisis, finding help can feel overwhelming. United Way of Summit & Medina’s 211 Helpline creates a shortcut by connecting residents with the help they need in a strategic, timely manner. Whether you need tax help, legal assistance, housing support services, or a meal for your family – 211 is here to help you navigate difficult seasons in life. Keep reading to learn more about the ways 211 supports our community.
What is the 211 Hotline?
211 helps people throughout Summit and Medina counties find local resources when they don’t know where to turn for help. This phone line connects you to United Way of Summit & Medina staff members that have information on thousands of available services, including food and nutrition programs, prenatal care, mental health hotlines and more. This service supports Summit County and Medina County residents of all ages and all walks of life, including youth and families, individuals with disabilities and veterans.
When you call 211, your call will be routed by your phone service provider to our United Way call center. Then, our trained 211 staff will speak with you to assess your current situation and match your specific needs to available resources. Calling 211 is free, confidential, and available 24/7. If a resident is hesitant to call, they can also search our digital resource directory to see what services are available or text their zip code to 898-211 to text with a trained 211 staff member.
When to Call 211
You can call the 211 hotline anytime you need help. Calling is completely free, confidential, and is available 24/7. Our goal is to get you the support you need. You might be surprised by the number of resources available to you – even if you have never utilized a public service before. Join us below as we share some examples of those resources and stories of people who have benefited from them.
Financial Support
When the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Faith’s ability to pay her family’s bills, she called 211. She shared, “I was quarantined away from my family, unable to work because of COVID-19. We were behind on rent and bills. We weren’t sure what the future held, so I called United Way. They offered hope and help.”
When bills start piling up, it can be hard to know where to turn. We are so glad Faith turned to 211 and our United Way of Summit & Medina team. Whether you lost your job, need help putting food on the table, seeking assistance with paying rent, or want to get better at budgeting – United Way of Summit & Medina can help. Our 211 call specialists can connect you with resources for your bills, guidance from our Akron Financial Empowerment Center to help relieve your financial burdens. Our goal is to financially empower Summit and Medina residents by giving them the resources to budget and save, pay down debt, and boost their credit scores.
Housing Insecurity & Homelessness
When Albert returned to his home after three months in jail, he found his property was broken into and burglarized. Everything of value was gone. After struggling to get back on his feet, bills were piling up and his water was turned off. Again, the COVID-19 pandemic only amplified his struggles. He was tempted to throw it all away, but instead he called 211. On that call, our specialists connected him with programs to meet his specific needs. United Way was even able to contact the City of Akron on Albert’s behalf and get his water service restored due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is just one example of how contacting 211 can help residents facing a potential housing crisis. United Way of Summit & Medina believes no one should have to worry about where they will sleep at night – and our 211 team is prepared to help residents solve their housing problems. Whether it’s connecting callers to a shelter with available beds for the night, finding a long term housing solution, or utility bill assistance, United Way of Summit & Medina can help.
Addiction & Substance Abuse
Summit County alone has an opioid dispensing rate that is 23.6% higher than the national average. The prevalence of addiction and substance abuse in both Summit and Medina counties is staggering. Given the alarming rates of accidental overdoses, it’s crucial for residents to know that they can turn to 211 for support and assistance.
There is no shame in needing help with addiction and our call specialists will treat you with the respect you deserve. United Way of Summit & Medina’s team can share resources for support groups, inpatient or outpatient treatment, emergency help, and more. Don’t suffer alone or ignore your substance struggles – United Way of Summit & Medina is here to help!
Mental Health Concerns
211 serves as a mental health hotline for those in need. Our team can connect with you other hotlines for mental health including a suicide hotline or a depression hotline. Additionally, they will make sure you have support through counseling, support groups, and other forms of treatment. When calling United Way’s 211 hotline, you can trust that the person you speak to will treat you with kindness and genuine care, making sure you get the help you need.
Other Situations
Do the above scenarios not apply to you? 211 can connect you with thousands of other services. We offer help with groceries, healthcare, clothing and household items, education, and so much more. If you have a need, don’t hesitate to call 211. United Way’s trained call center employees will do everything in our power to find a solution to the problem you’re facing. Our online resource database is a great place to browse the help available to you.
Dial 211 for Essential Support
It is okay to ask for help. Call United Way’s 211 helpline to get support! You can also text your zip code to 898-211 for assistance via text. Don’t face your struggles alone – United Way of Summit & Medina is here for you.