211 is the Blackhawk Region’s 24/7 helpline.
In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills, and connect to other essential services. Our 211 is part of a national network, United to help as many people as possible. In fact, 211 is a critical part of United Way Blackhawk Region’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.
Here’s why you should use this vital service—and let others know about it, too.
- 211 provides connections to many kinds of resources and services, including:
○ Crisis and emergency counseling for mental health concerns, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
○ Disaster assistance
○ Food
○ Financial assistance, literacy, and coaching
○ Health care and insurance assistance
○ Stable housing and utilities payment assistance
○ Unemployment services
○ Veteran services
○ Child care and family services - Our 211 specialists are amazing listeners! 211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, every call is answered by a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions – from the first hello to the final connection to help.
- 211 is simple and convenient to use. The service is free, confidential, and accessible 24/7/365. It’s also available in more than 180 languages.
- There’s more than one way to use 211. You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone and speak to a trained 211 specialist. Or you can browse local resources by clicking “Search 211 Database” on the 211 page of our website. If you cannot reach us through 211, call the toll-free alternative (877)947-2211. The 211 service is also available by text. Text your zip code to 898211. Hours vary by region. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can always text STOP to stop receiving messages from us.
- 211 tackles problems at the roots. In fact, 211 specialists are trained to identify and address the underlying root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
- 211 made 7,327 referrals for Blackhawk Region callers in 2020, many of them just like you. See the 2020 Rock County Service Report which includes the list of top contacts by city, top unmet needs and top agency referrals. 211 is available to help anyone, no matter their situation, their income level, or their gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- 211 helps other nonprofits reach those who need help. The knowledgeable community resource specialists regularly update our service listings to ensure the database of more than 12,000 agencies and networks that serve Wisconsin is accurate. Inclusion in the 211 database is free to qualifying agencies. Service providers may learn more here.
Learn more and get help by visiting 211wisconsin.org. And share this information with as many people as possible, so everyone in the Blackhawk Region knows where to turn for help.