United Way of the CSRA Recognized 211 Day on February 11th
Wednesday, February 14th, 2024
On Sunday, February 11th, United Way of the CSRA recognized “211 Day,” which highlighted the agency’s free information and referral helpline that connects community members to assistance and resources in the CSRA.
211 is a free, confidential helpline available to residents in the ten Georgia counties and two South Carolina communities that United Way of the CSRA serves. During business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, this service is available by calling 2-1-1 or texting the resident’s zip code to 898211. For after-hours help, text OD10 to 898211 or visit 211csra.org.
“If there’s a medical emergency, you know to pick up the phone and call 9-1-1. If there’s a community emergency, we want residents to know they can pick up the phone and call 2-1-1 to get connected to valuable information and resources,” said Brittany Burnett, President and CEO of United Way of the CSRA. “Our Ride United program, made possible through a partnership with Lyft, has helped to alleviate the transportation barrier for those needing to get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential locations, and it is the most requested service for individuals calling 211.”
2023 saw a significant increase in the utilization of 211 compared to 2022; calls alone totaled 13,067, over a 200% increase. The top reason for 211 calls in 2023 was for transportation, followed by rental and utility assistance, emergency shelters, mortgage assistance, and food pantries.
See below for a snapshot comparing 211 utilization from 2022 to 2023.
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2022 |
2023 |
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Number of calls - 4,197 Number of web visits - 13,770 Number of Referrals - 6,024 Lyft Rides Provided - 742 |
Number of calls - 13,067 Number of web visits - 23,744 Number of Referrals - 21,579 Lyft Rides Provided - 9,455 |
Now that tax season is upon us, there will be calls from individuals and families needing tax preparation services. Our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program is available free of charge for households earning $60,000 or less in 2023. Appointments are needed to receive the free tax prep services. Individuals can call 2-1-1 to schedule their appointment. For those who are not a candidate for the VITA program or would rather file their taxes on their own, this can be done for free online at MyFreeTaxes.com.
