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211 is Greater Nashville’s lifeline for help

Jan 31, 2022 | Blog

In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills, and connect to other essential services. United Way of Greater Nashville’s 211 program is managed by LaKelia Lovan and Annika Victorson. Together, they navigate community resources for 42 Middle Tennessee counties. Our 211 is part of a national network, united to help as many people as possible. It’s a critical part of our mission to mobilize the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Here’s why you should use this vital service—and let others know about it, too.

211 provides connections to many kinds of resources and services throughout Middle Tennessee. For example, in 2021 call specialists provided over 20,000 referrals for rent and utilities assistance. Requests for area food pantries also increased during the pandemic. Specialists have also connected residents to crisis and emergency counseling for mental health concerns; financial assistance, literacy, and coaching, and child care and family services.

211 provided a total of 64,354 referrals to Middle Tennessee residents last year. 211 is available to help everyone, no matter their situation, income level, gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Our 211 call specialists are amazing listeners. 211 does more than “patch people through” to local agencies. Instead, every call is answered by a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions.

211 is simple and convenient to use. The service is free, confidential and accessible 24/7/365. It’s also available in more than 180 languages.

There’s more than one way to use 211. You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone to connect to a trained specialist. Or text your zip code to 898-211. You can also browse local resources at tn211.org.

211 tackles problems at the roots. In fact, 211 specialists are trained to identify and address the underlying root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call or text.

Learn more and get help by visiting tn211.org. And share this information with as many people as possible, so everyone in our region knows where to turn for help.

Support our helpline: For $25, your contribution covers the cost of five calls to 211, supporting five families or individuals in need. Donate today.