Covid-19: Not sure what resources are available to you? Just dial 2-1-1

With the coronavirus disrupting all aspects of our daily lives, the United Way is reminding the public that help is just one call away. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect you with the right resources to meet your individual needs. The staff is trained to respond to moments of crisis, and the Covid-19 pandemic is no exception. As Grace Pesch, the impact program manager at the United Way of Olmsted County, tell us, people can now use the hotline to get answers on a range of topics — from information on coronarvirus testing to finding out what financial assistance programs are out there for small businesses.

MCB: For someone who has never used 2-1-1, how does it work?

GP: United Way’s 2-1-1 is an unmatched service that has been supporting our community in various ways for two decades. If you’ve never been in a position where you need to find a service to help with rent assistance, childcare assistance, signing up for health insurance, or mental health resources, you may not even know where to start. United Way’s 2-1-1 should be the first place to start; from there, a compassionate and trained resource specialist will help understand your unique circumstances and qualifications to connect you to the best resource for your situation. 

MCB: When should someone call the number?

GP: Anyone who is looking for information can call 2-1-1. Most people will first seek out information via their friends or families or other trusted sources. For instance, I’m seeing a lot of Facebook groups popping up. The danger in that is that information could be out of date, incorrect, or someone could be given resources they are ineligible for. Each person is unique in their circumstances, and information is ever-evolving. It is important to go to a trusted source where staff is working regularly to vet information for accuracy. 

MCB: When someone calls this number, who is on the other end?

GP: A trained professional who is far more knowledgeable than I could ever be! Their training binder is around four inches thick; it’s incredible. They have nuanced information about what services exist, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and other helpful information. Our callers will also have the ability to patch in language assistance from an outside interpreter service if our call center specialists do not have the necessary language skills to speak with a caller directly. 

MCB: What kind of questions can you answer related to Covid-19?

GP: 2-1-1 numbers across the nation have historically been relied on in response to natural disasters, community crisis, and now, a global pandemic. Because 2-1-1 is the most comprehensive database of resources, it is well positioned to provide unmatched service in uncertain times. Typically, 2-1-1 is best at providing human services information, but understanding what information callers are looking for, our call center staff have expanded the type of information they’re collecting and organizing. They have now included necessary information like grocery store hours for vulnerable populations, information on testing, changes to the way local government offices or other agencies are providing services, restaurants that are proving free meals, financial assistance for businesses, and much more. We are also grateful that a number of local businesses — including Grand Rounds, Tap House West End, ThaiPop, Fat Noodle, Bleu Duck, TacoJED and Potbelly’s — are now helping to get the word out about this resource by handing out 2-1-1 information cards with take-out orders.

More info on 2-1-1 can be found here. The City of Rochester has also set up a hotline to answer questions specific to Covid-19. That number is: (507) 328-2822. For emergencies, you should always call 9-1-1.