United Way of Madison County celebrates 211 ambassadors
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – For emergencies, we call 911, and for information, we call 411. This week, we’re celebrating the people answering when we call 211.
Sunday was February 11, or 2/11, and the United Way of Madison County (UWMC) used that as an opportunity to celebrate National 211 Day.
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“211 is a resource in which if you have a need or if you have a problem, or if you have a challenge, just call 211,” said UWMC president and CEO Daniel Kasambira. “Last year alone, we had over 22,000 inquiries and locally and 45,000 throughout six different counties, so it’s a great resource.”
The phones are answered by 211 ambassadors 24/7 thanks to UWMC and Crisis Services of North Alabama. The line is there to help connect people in need to basic human needs, physical and mental health resources, employment support, and support for youth, senior citizens, and families.
The Tennessee Valley 211 call center serves people in Marshall, Morgan, Limestone, Madison, Jackson and DeKalb counties.
“If you have a call with emergency needs for utilities or housing or homelessness or food insecurity and resources, they can answer any questions that you have,” Kasambira explained.
As far as celebrating 211 ambassadors, Kasambira said they do a thankless job.
“A lot of times they’re answering tough questions,” he said. “They’re there just to be there for people and a lot of times they get overlooked by the other two heroes answer those questions.”
The program is funded through local governments and local donors. They welcome any person or business who would like to sponsor 211 for 2024.
Anyone with a need or a problem can call 211. You can also text your zip code to TXT-211.
For more information on 211, click here. You can also email 211admin@csna.org.
There is a need for more 211 ambassadors. On Wednesday, February 14 at 8:30 a.m., the United Way will host a virtual 211 ambassador training. Call (256) 536-0745 or click here to learn more. To register for the training, click here.
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