Through our free 211 resource helpline, we act as a bridge, providing confidential information and referrals to statewide resources and services to ensure people have their basic needs met at any time, day or night.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in multiple languages, 211 refers people — at no cost — to critical services like rental assistance, food programs, child care, employment resources and more.
Using data gathered through the helpline, we help local lawmakers and nonprofits understand the information needs of callers, so they can begin to piece together the full picture of what’s going on in the communities they serve.
Though 211 data provides a real-time window into the information needs of our community, it’s important to note this is just one aspect of the issues we’re facing in the Greater Twin Cities. Call trends give us a pulse on the community, helping shape important discussions among regional leaders and signaling opportunities to dive deeper as we work together to identify and address these larger issues.
Impact and Funding Strategies
As we work alongside our nonprofit partners, the 211 data, among a myriad of other inputs, informs the discussions we have about the needs of our community and areas where we have the opportunity to make the greatest impact as these needs change.
Each week, we brief the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency on call volume across categories related to homelessness prevention. MHFA uses this report to help quantify the need for housing assistance in our community, so they can better inform policy and programs.
"Much of the data policymakers have access to comes from censuses taken years ago. 211 calls give us insight into the types of information people are seeking about services they needed last week. By passing these current insights along, we can help leaders discern trends and shape policy.”
–James Collins, Former Director of 211 Resource Helpline
Who's Answering the Call?
Jacky
211 Community Resource Specialist
“I get excited when I hear about new social programs because it means more help for those who need it.”
Kendra
211 Community Resource Specialist
"211 is a free, statewide resource available for anyone looking to access services including physical and mental health resources, housing, utility, food, employment assistance, crisis interventions, and more."
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