Call 211 in times of need

Have you or someone you know ever been laid off from a job or experienced a reduction in hours that also resulted in a reduction in pay? Have you ever wondered what you would do if you found yourself in that situation; how you would feed your family and continue to pay your bills?  Who would help you in your time of need?

On Sunday, February 11, United Ways in Massachusetts joined United Ways across the country to celebrate National 2-1-1 Day, calling attention to this free information and referral service that has been in operation here in Massachusetts since 2006.

Mass 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed by information and referral specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who connect residents to the resources they need.  Last year, 1,147 calls were made to Mass 2-1-1 by Berkshire County residents.  Top needs included assistance with child care and parenting, utilities, mental health and addictions, and housing and shelter.  In addition to this referral hotline, Mass 2-1-1 also maintains a searchable, online database at mass211.org, which is also supported by an online chat feature.

For the resident who finds him or herself in the situation above, a specialist may provide information about unemployment benefits, job search options, SNAP benefits, food pantries, mortgage or rent help, utility assistance, and employment counseling.

Berkshire United Way provides funding support to Mass 2-1-1 to ensure sufficient coverage and access here in the Berkshires. I invite you to share this column on your personal Facebook page to raise awareness of this free, user-friendly phone and online database system. By promoting Mass 2-1-1 we can make sure that all Berkshire residents are aware of the resources available to them.

If you are a service provider in MA, we encourage you to promote the wonderful programs and services your organization provides to our county’s residents by enrolling in or updating your information on the MA 2-1-1- website.  This will ensure that help and support is available to those in need.

Julie
Program Manager, Community Impact