Feb. 10, 2024
When you find yourself behind on a rent payment; when you’re seeking caregiving assistance; when your home has been destroyed by a natural disaster -- Helps starts here with NC 211.
On Feb. 11, NC 211 joins United Way organizations and 211 call centers across the country to celebrate National 211 Day to highlight this critical service and give thanks to the many NC 211 staff members who work tirelessly to provide excellent service to their callers.
Since 1999, NC 211 has been serving the state as an information referral center for health and human services. Operated by United Way of North Carolina and powered by 47 local United Ways across the state - including the Catawba County United Way - the valuable NC 211 service connects North Carolinians with resources that can help them get back on their feet in the most challenging of times. Offered in multiple languages, North Carolinians can have a free, confidential conversation with a Community Resource Specialist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162.
In 2024, NC 211 took 208,641 calls, with 31,572 of those calls relating to Hurricane Helene, which hit Western North Carolina on Sept.27. The level of call volume skyrocketed that day, upon former Governor Roy Cooper activating the NC 211 number as the non-emergency number to call during the disaster. NC 211 not only took resource-related calls, but also assisted with processing 15,985 welfare checks through texts and phone calls from folks searching for their loved ones in western North Carolina after Helene hit.
Last year, more than 1,300 calls were made to NC 211 for help with housing and shelter in Catawba County, which included: 424 for shelters, 285 for low-cost housing and 530 for rental assistance.
Despite disaster-related or everyday challenges, NC 211 remains strong in its mission to provide resources of relevance and quality to each person in need.
Just last month, a single father with one child, called looking for help with his electric bill. He had an unexpected expense come up, making it difficult to make the payment. The NC 211 Community Resource Specialist he talked to quickly referred the father to three resources in his area.
In addition to finding information over the phone, North Carolinians can also search NC 211’s database of resources by visiting https://nc211.org/ and entering their need and location.
This updated search tool makes it easier for folks to find services quickly if they don’t have time to make a phone call. They can also peruse the eLibrary for program- and situation-specific articles that can address their related questions and needs.
