Need Help? Dial 211
Every day people in our community are facing issues that, if left unsolved, can lead to a downward spiral. United Way 2-1-1 is our way of connecting people in need to resources as quickly and as efficiently as possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Help Starts Here
United Way 211 is an easy-to-remember phone number linking people in need to relevant information. When you call 211, you will speak with a trained Information and Referral Specialist who will help you access the exact service you need.
By maintaining an accurate database of public and community-based resources, United Way 211 connects you to basic services and even at times of disaster. You can also use the online Service Directory to search for resources near you.
United Way of Northwest Louisiana is a proud partner of Louisiana 211 and works closely with the Louisiana Association of United Ways to bring this service to our area.
Proudly serving the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster.
This single access point provides resources for the following:
- Food, shelter and clothing
- Abuse/neglect prevention and protection
- Rent, utility and financial assistance
- Crisis intervention services (domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide, etc.)
- Job training and career counseling resources
- Transportation assistance
- Educational programs
- Financial literacy classes and money management training
- Home health care
- Legal assistance
- Congregate meals for the elderly
- Homemaker services
- Quality childcare
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Support groups
- Family resource centers
- Volunteer opportunities
- And much more…
WHEN YOU CALL, WHO ANSWERS?
211 calls are answered by trained Information and Referral Specialist working out of a centralized call center in Louisiana. Each call is directed to providers within a geographic region.
The help line:
- Operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Offers multilingual services, and information for the hearing impaired.
- Utilizes a computer Service Directory of resources and services statewide.
- Works collaboratively with nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations, and government.
- Abides by the standards established by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and is endorsed by United Way Worldwide.
211 SERVICE AREAS
(click map to enlarge)
BENEFITS OF UNITED WAY 211
People in Need
- One call gives you access to resources across your community and the region.
- 211 is efficient, fast and easy to use.
- No more wrong numbers. No more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).
- 211 is confidential.
- 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system, saving that vital community resources for life and death emergencies.
The Community
- 211 strengthens our community by uniting people in the area who want to help those in need.
- People who want to help often do not know where to begin.
- Almost 900,000 nonprofit organizations are in the U.S., plus scores of government agencies. People looking for assistance have trouble navigating a complicated web of health and human service programs.
- 211 is a planning tool. Based on aggregate data about the types of calls received, communities can better anticipate demand for services, and mobilize resources to meet the changing needs.
- 211 touches the lives of every person in the community, and whether you are in a situation where you need help or find yourself later in a situation to give help, 211 is always there for you.
In Crisis
- 211 is a critical information system necessary prior to, during, and after a community crisis, such as an attack, flood, tornado, fire, or other local or national tragedy. Prior to a crisis, it is critical that an information system is in place that responds to the crisis at a moment’s notice.
- 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis, and direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.
- 211 maintains a permanent presence in the community and people can find the help they need whether their needs arise a week or several years after the crisis event.