National 2-1-1 Day celebrates call agents who connect thousands of people to critical social services

Saturday, February 11th is National 2-1-1 Day. Across the country, 2-1-1 call centers honor hard-working employees and remind people, especially those without Internet access, that they can always call 2-1-1 anonymously for free and access their local social network. service. agencies.

2-1-1 Dallas office executives released data showing their top 5 needs in 2022 were to help people with rent, electricity bills, water bills, finding food pantries, and finding help related to housing authorities.

After the pandemic, the number of applications for housing assistance began to decline, but due to inflation and rising housing costs, they are rising again. Housing-related calls jumped from about 20 percent in 2021 to 33.5 percent in 2022.

“I know unemployment is low, but many people in our community cannot earn enough money to afford housing. And it’s backed up by the calls we’re receiving,” said Sharla Myers, CEO of the Greater Dallas Community Council.

The Dallas Community Council operates 2-1-1. The non-profit also said there was an increase in 2022 for motel bill help calls that represent people living in hotels because they can’t afford rent or find an apartment. Their reports also show that food pantry visits decreased from 2020 to 2021 and then increased again in 2022.

Myers says she expects food assistance applications to increase as food stamps are cut later this month.

To help expand opportunities to help more callers, reduce wait times, and meet the need for more staff, the nonprofit is also launching its first-ever 2-1-1 Day fundraiser. Myers has issued a challenge and will match all donations up to $5,000. For example, if a donor gives $100, the CEO will give $100. You can learn more about fundraising Here.

“2-1-1 succeeds through a combination of compassionate and knowledgeable phone agents, dedicated resource professionals, partner non-profit and county agencies committed to serving our community, and every resident who calls us. With every phone call, our top priority is ensuring knowledge of available resources to best meet the needs of each caller,” Myers wrote in a 2-1-1 Day statement.

If you or someone you know needs non-emergency help, they can call 2-1-1. Find a list of resources related to housing, crisis counseling, nutrition, employment and more. Here. For emergency calls, please dial 9-1-1.