Has 211 helped you or someone you know? Please share your story with us about how 211 connected you, a friend, or a client with community services.
Peggy’s story, as told by 211 call specialist who answered her call.
Peggy called 2-1-1 yesterday. She is 24 years old, has a small child, and had spent last night in the car. She was in tears because she did not want to have to tell her child again they might have to sleep in the car.
When she called, she was standing outside of a shelter that was full and they had told her to call 2-1-1. I was able to connect Peggy to other shelters in her area. Also, as Peggy was a recipient of public assistance, I explained that she may be eligible for their homeless prevention fund that could pay for a motel. I suggested she contact her caseworker.
We agreed that I would call her back the next day to see how the referrals turned out, but I encouraged her to call us back before then if there was anything else she needed.
When I followed up with Peggy today, she said that she was so relieved. One of the agencies I had referred her to was able to pay for a motel room for her and her child that night. Additionally, one of the other referrals I had given her had a spot for her in their transitional housing program. She said she was very grateful for all the help she received from 2-1-1.
Ms. Williams’ story
Ms. Williams, a 72 year old senior living on Social Security and a widow’s pension called 2-1-1 needing assistance with food. The limited income she receives barely covers her monthly expenses.
2-1-1 specialist Daphne explained to Ms. Williams how to get on the waiting list for the senior supplemental food program. She also provided a phone number for a neighborhood food pantry and information about SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps).
A few days later, Daphne followed up with Ms. Williams, who said she was so happy with all of the wonderful food she had gotten. She listed everything she had, as she took each item out of her bag: 3 onions, 4 potatoes, 4 bananas, 1 orange, brown rice, black beans, 3 artichokes, raspberries, lettuce for salad, carrots, purple cabbage, and chicken breast.
Ms. Williams said she had never expected to get fresh food and was so grateful for what she had received. She also asked if she could go back to the pantry again, and Daphne assured her that she could be helped weekly, as needed.
