February 11 (2/11) is 211 Day in Colorado. Across the nation communities mark this day to bring greater awareness to the importance of 211 helping people access services during times of disaster, be they personal or community-wide.
Provided locally by United Way of Weld County, 211 Colorado is a comprehensive and confidential information and referral service that connects users to 8,000-plus helping resources throughout Colorado. United Way investors, which includes Weld County Government, resource a contact center and up-to-date database of programs and services for Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties. 211 is available via phone call, text and on the internet.
“211 Colorado is arguably the most vital and timely information and referral service in the State of Colorado, providing referral to resources whether a disaster is community-wide or an individual family in need,” noted Margie Martinez, 211 Colorado @ UWWC & Weld Project Connect coordinator at United Way. “Every year we serve over 9,000 people in Weld County and northeastern Colorado that need help, from rental assistance to child care to connection to a health provider. Each contact is an opportunity to connect people with a resource that will keep a life on track.”
211 Colorado at United Way of Weld County is also available as a referral tool for case managers, school workers, faith community volunteers, human resource managers and more. Plus it facilitates communication amongst agencies to troubleshoot social and human service challenges, assists in emergency situations, works to alleviate stresses on emergency management during disasters and identifies areas of greatest need.
Ava, a recent widow, is a good example of the kind of creativity in assistance that 211 can provide. She was experiencing financial difficulties after losing her husband to COVID-19. Ava commutes from Greeley to Denver for her job, but this became impossible when her car suddenly stopped working and needed repair. Unsure what to do next and how she was going to cover the repair cost, Ava called 211 where a navigator sifted through possible resources. After they determined that Ava’s car was too old to be eligible for one program, they continued to search for additional resources that could help. The navigator deduced that Ava was eligible for utility assistance to pay her utility bill, as well as partial rent payment assistance. These referrals and resources freed up Ava’s finances to allow her to cover the cost of her car repair so that she could keep working.
While February 11 is 211 Day in Colorado, anyone can make use of 211 year-round by calling 211 or texting 898-211 Monday to Friday or visiting www.211Colorado.org 24-hours per day. To find out more about 211 Colorado contact Margie Martinez at 970-353-4300 or Margie@UnitedWay-Weld.org.
