So, who will more than 20,000 people in Greater Birmingham call when they need a lifeline this year? They will call United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center for help with utility bills, food for their family, help with the cost of medicine for chronic illnesses and a great many more urgent needs.
Every day close to 100 people reach out to United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center. Each call is unique, each problem is personal and thankfully, the solutions are usually one connection away. Providing lifelines is tough work – and United Way does not do it alone. More than 800 community partners are part of the United Way 2-1-1 network and stand ready to provide resources to help those in need.
Getting Help After a Fire
Take Tony for instance, who just lost his apartment and all of his possessions in a fire. The company he works for rallied to see how they could help. They suggested he call United Way’s 2-1-1, which they learned about through their annual United Way giving campaign. Once Tony called the 2-1-1 Call Center, he was connected to the American Red Cross who will assess his situation and provide emergency resources such as hotel accommodations, clothing vouchers and a case manager to help navigate the crisis. Tony is getting the help he needs.
Foreclosure Prevented
The “Smiths” called United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center because they are at their wits end with the threat of foreclosure. Through the 2-1-1 Call Center, they were connected to the Foreclosure Prevention Partnership, made of nine partner agencies committed to rapid response in helping families keep their homes. With foreclosure, time is of the essence and because the “Smiths” got help from experts in negotiating their mortgage loan, they saved their home.
When you hear of someone needing help, throw them a lifeline and tell them about United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center.