2-1-1

Every hour of every day, hundreds of people need essential human services - they are looking for training, employment, food pantries, help for an aging parent, addiction prevention programs for their teenage children, affordable housing options, support groups and ways of becoming part of their community. 2-1-1 allows people to give help and to get help.  2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The 2-1-1 database is comprehensive and up-to-date; for example, current Michigan 2-1-1 data bases maintain information on over 5,000 agencies with more than 20,000 public, non-profit and faith based health and human service programs.

The implementation of 2-1-1 in Lapeer County is being spearheaded by United Way. The projected launch date is February 15, 2011. 

Businesses, agencies and governmental units are signing on to help.  A national cost benefit analysis conducted by the University of Texas estimates a net value to society of a national 2–1–1 system approaching $130 million in the first year alone and a conservative estimate of $1.1 billion over ten years.  Some of the ways we will benefit include:

• one call for multiple referrals,
• reduced overlapping information & referral costs 
• improved community planning through call data
• Key Strategy for State’s Community Preparedness and Response Plans

   

If you'd like information about 2-1-1, click here for the 2-1-1 fact sheet, click here for the 2-1-1 Agency Information Form or if you would like to help bring this vital service to the community, please call the United Way office at              (810) 667-2912         (810) 667-2912. 

                          Until this service is available, you can link to our current First Call For Help Directory.