2-1-1 Celebrates Two Years of Helping Missourians

Just two years ago,many Missourians likely wondered how they'd ever identify the right home health agency, support group, job training program, substance abuse counselor for a family member, or adult day care center for an aging parent.

Since then, those important questions have been answered more than 200,000 times with the help of Missouri 2-1-1, a health and human services "give or find" help line celebrating its second anniversary. Missouri 2-1-1 is a place where people can connect with many different types of social services, and service providers can make needed help available. There also is a searchable service database available at www.211missouri.com.

The United Way of Greater St. Louis partnered with other Missouri United Way offices and MFH to launch the 2-1-1 program in November 2007. Since that time, the free, 24-hour, confidential help line has resulted in 222,700 referrals to services across the state.

Through Missouri 2-1-1 users can connect with a wide range of key services to help their families stay afloat, including bill payment assistance, shelters, non emergency physical and mental health services, transportation and employment help, tax assistance and disaster response.

Missouri 2-1-1 covers 99 counties in the state; the remaining 17 are served by the United Way of Greater Kansas City's 2-1-1 service. Missouri 2-1-1 is supported by $4.75 million in MFH funding over five years and $3.75 million from the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

MFH and United Way Bring 2-1-1 Phone Service to Missouri

The 2-1-1 telephone number is available to help Missourians find fast, free and confidential help for health and human services. The 2-1-1 call center, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week is being offered throughout Missouri by the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Funding comes from Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) and United Way of Greater St. Louis. Ten other United Way organizations throughout the state are involved in the effort.

2-1-1 connects people to needed health and human service organizations and volunteer opportunities in their communities. Missouri is the 21st state to have 2-1-1 coverage. More information and resources, including a searchable database of services available can be found at: www.211missouri.org

2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are calling from a cell phone or PBX line, you can reach the 2-1-1 call center by dialing (800) 427-4626. 2-1-1 can help you find resources in the following areas:

Basic Human Needs

  • Food pantries
  • Shelters
  • Rent
  • Utility assistance
  • Mortgage assistance

Physical and Mental Health Resources

  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Pre-natal care
  • Crisis intervention
  • Support groups
  • Counseling
  • Alcohol and drug rehabilitation
Work Initiatives
  • Educational and vocational training programs
  • English as a second language classes
  • Job training
  • General Educational Development (GED) preparation
  • Financial and transportation assistance
Support for Seniors and those with Disabilities
  • Agencies on aging
  • Centers for independent living
  • Adult day care
  • Meals at home
  • Respite care
  • Home health care
  • Transportation and recreation
Support for Children Youth and Families
  • After-school programs
  • Tutoring
  • Mentorship programs
  • Family resource centers
  • Protective services
  • Counseling
  • Early childhood learning programs
  • Child care referral centers
  • Recreation
Volunteering
  • Volunteer centers
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Locations to donate food
  • Clothing, furniture, computers and other items
  • One-time, long-term, permanent, part-time or group volunteering opportunities