Imagine you care for a loved one who uses medical equipment at home and, today, you received a notice that your utilities are going to be disconnected. Or maybe your work hours were cut and you’re struggling to provide your children with nutritious food and shoes that fit. Would you know who to call for help?
Colleen Neill coordinates 211 for Southwest Missouri. Nearly 900 agencies participate in the 14 counties served by United Way of the Ozarks. United Way supports 211 locally and nationally.
“Call 211,” was the answer for more than 6,500 of our neighbors in Southwest Missouri in 2024, according to Colleen Neill, community partnerships coordinator for the region. 211 is a free, confidential service that connects callers with specialists trained to listen and then match needs with nonprofit resources. United Way supports 211 financially and operationally across the United States, including the Ozarks.
Neill scours 31 counties, including the 14 served by United Way of the Ozarks, to be sure that services are in the 211 database and available for referrals. In Southwest Missouri alone, nearly 900 nonprofit organizations list their programs with 211. That number jumps to almost 4,000 for Missouri as a whole.
Free help 24/7, all year round
What happens when you make the free call to 211? You speak with a live person who can understand your story and connect you with services where you live, 24/7, 365 and in 180 languages. In Southwest Missouri, you also can reach out for help online at 211helps.org or by text at 1(800)427-4626. “We’ve expanded with live chat and texting options to help people Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT,” Neill added.
United Way of the Ozarks is proud to host Neill in its Springfield location. “It’s great to have Colleen in our community, personifying United Way’s commitment to identifying needs and then finding resources to meet them,” said Brandi VanAntwerp, president/CEO of United Way of the Ozarks.
Personal touch makes a difference
211 also is a great way for neighbors to help neighbors. Chris learned about 211 during his training as a volunteer in United Way of the Ozarks Give 5 program. When he encountered Paul, who was struggling to find housing and help to change his life, Chris dialed 211 with him. That call put Paul in touch with transitional help – food from a local food pantry and a grant for safe, sober living – and now he is employed and rebuilding his future.
Neill finds Chris’ and Paul’s stories motivating. “Every update, every new agency we add brings us closer to making sure no one falls through the cracks.” To that end, Neill updates 211 listings seasonally – warming centers in winter, cooling centers in summer, tax preparation in the spring – in addition to the regular outreach. All so that United Way communities can get connected and get help. United is the way!
