211 - United Way of Dane County

United Way 211 is here to provide 24/7 live, local help to every person in our community who needs it. From finding food to paying rent or connecting to addiction treatment (and so much more) our staff and volunteers are here to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. Get connected to the resources you need by calling 211 or texting your ZIP Code to 898-211 today.

211 Makes Accessing Resources Easier for Those in Need

At United Way, we know that an internet search doesn’t always cut it in times of crisis. And we’re here to help, so that you don’t have to navigate the complicated network of social services alone. 211 hosts the most comprehensive health and human services database in Dane County, making it easier for you to find and access the resources you need during challenging times.

No matter your circumstances, our 211 specialists listen, identify problems and connect you with resources and services in the community that can improve your situation – getting you what you need so you can focus on what matters most. Our services are completely confidential! You’ll never have to worry about your personal information being disclosed.

211 Stories

211 recently received a call from a mom who had been doubled up with another family in an apartment. She and her children were asked to leave and she contacted 211. Our team connected her with a Spanish-speaking staff member and this mother and her children were quickly connected to housing resources. This is how United Way brings our community together to solve problems. In this case, a family in crisis knew to connect with the most comprehensive local services database and trusted she would be treated with respect and helped. We utilized our network of effective nonprofits to house this family, work that is made possible by our donors who make sure services - and housing inventory - are available.

211 Stories

Our 211 staff took a call from a woman who lives far away from her elderly mother and wanted to make sure she had access to food. Her mom isn’t very proactive when it comes to making meals, and the woman was worried she would go hungry since she can’t leave the house. 211 staff connected the woman with meals-on-wheels and grocery delivery options in our area, and she left the call feeling very hopeful.

211 Stories

An older adult called 211 when she found out her daughter had lost her job. 211 staff provided the caller with rental assistance resources as well as utility information. They also explained how her daughter could apply for benefits like unemployment, food share and Badgercare. At the end of the call mom said while her daughter may have found this information herself she was just so grateful to hear a human voice. She’d been alone in her home for a while and a sympathetic ear was what she really needed.

211 Stories

A 211 caller was very anxious because she lost her two jobs in the service industry. Her last day of work was on the horizon and on top of that were having a very hard time getting through to unemployment. Beyond the bills that were stacking up, this caller was most worried about the loss of insurance. 211 connected her with Covering Wisconsin–a group that can help folks connect with state or private insurance through the Marketplace. Additionally, their navigators are trained to sign people up for United Way’s Health Connect program.

If you have questions, need help or want to have your agency/organization listed in our resource database, email us at 211@UWDC.org.