United Way 2-1-1 of Kansas service launches texting option to help connect more people to needed human services
Junction City, Kan., June 13th, 2018 — “Who you gonna call?” is now also “Who you gonna text?” when you want to find elder care, emergency shelter, tutoring, food assistance, youth programs and much more. United Way has launched a new texting option for its 2-1-1 information line for people looking for help in Kansas.
United Way 2-1-1 of Kansas handles 50,000 calls annually and 28,000 online searches. Now it looks to add thousands of texting inquiries to those numbers.
“More and more people use texting as a primary means of communication and United Way wants to offer every available option to those looking for resources or volunteer information.” Nichole Mader, Executive Director United Way of Junction City/Geary County
To use the new 2-1-1 texting option, individuals simply text their zip code to 898211. A 2-1-1 specialist will answer the text, determining their specific needs and identifying what local nonprofit or government agency will best meet their needs. The text will include agency name, phone number, and other useful information needed (including hours of operation, sliding fee scales, etc.).
Since 2006, United Way has provided the 2-1-1 information line across the state of Kansas through a 24-hour free phone service (by simply dialing 2-1-1) and its website (at 211kansas.org).
2-1-1 is a national dialing code for free, confidential 24-hour access to thousands of health and human services, such as housing, shelter, food, legal aid, clothing, counseling, utility assistance, health care, transportation and more. During disasters, 2‑1‑1 also provides important public information that frees up 9-1-1 to handle life-or-death emergencies.
Nicole Mahder – Junction City – Geary County United Way