2-1-1 Provides Help and Resources to Valley Residents in Need

Have you ever needed help but felt like you have nowhere to turn? The United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties wants you to know they are committed to helping our community thrive.

In addition to offering free tax filing services, access to financial education, and career building skills, United Way Fresno and Madera Counties is helping families through the 2-1-1 program.

“2-1-1 is a 24/7 help hotline, that’s totally anonymous and available in 150 different languages,” says Ashley McBride, Program Manager for United Way Fresno and Madera Counties. “Anyone can call 2-1-1 if they have a need or an inquiry on a very broad range of subjects, including immediate food or shelter, questions regarding Medicaid or other government programs, or even low-cost child care and help with PG&E services.”

United Way Fresno and Madera Counties 2-1-1 program has over 3,000 resources to help you get connected and get answers. When you call 2-1-1, a trained call center specialist talks you through the resources that are available. The most common requests handled by 2-1-1 are for:

• Housing
• Food
• Health
• Utilities
• Mental health/abuse
• Substance abuse
• Finances
• Family
• Legal

“We’ve had moms call back to tell us that because we were able to direct them to addiction services, they are now clean, sober, and happy,” McBride says.

united-way-fresno-madera — Volunteers are helping local families through United Way and the 2-1-1 Program.

The United Way Fresno and Madera Counties 2-1-1 hotline receives about 34,000 calls a year. While that seems like a lot, McBride says many residents aren’t aware of the 2-1-1 program.

“We want to spread the word and let them know that we at United Way and 2-1-1 are here for them,” McBride says. “Our mission is to fight for working families and bring them the tools to not just get by, but to thrive.”

If you are interested in getting involved with the United Way, they are always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. You can call 2-1-1 to learn how to donate your time. United Way can also help staff your organization’s event with volunteers.

To learn about all the good happening at United Way Fresno and Madera Counties visit UWFM.org.

[Photos courtesy of United Way Fresno and Madera Counties]