Every day, thousands of Delawareans struggle to find affordable childcare, access to healthcare, money to buy food and pay the bills, and take care of other essential needs. Can you imagine the frustration and fear that comes with facing eviction, hungry children, untreated illness – without knowing where to turn?

Across the nation and here in Delaware, we have a confidential helpline where people in crisis can turn for help. It’s 211. In the United States, 211 responds to more than 21 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats, and text messages are from people looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care.

In Delaware, 211 is operated and funded by the United Way of Delaware and the State of Delaware. Ensuring every person has easy access to this critical resource exemplifies United Way’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. By dialing 2-1-1, individuals and families can find a wide range of services from crisis and emergency counseling, shelter, disaster assistance, to everyday needs like food, free tax filing services, utilities payment assistance, employment help, and so much more. Delaware 211 is a free and confidential service.

No matter the situation, Delaware 211 Specialists diligently work with residents to create judgment free and confidential environments where they listen and guide our neighbors in need to local service providers who can help. They are caring and knowledgeable professionals who are the backbone of the 211 service.

Between January 1, 2020 and January 2023, Delaware 211 responded to 161,793 requests for help and followed up with more than 13,000 persons to verify their needs were met. Top needs included Health (85% COVID-19), Financial Assistance (55% Utility Assistance), Homeless, and Basic Needs (88% Food). ThebenefitofDelaware211tothecommunityhasneverbeenmorecriticalthanduringtheheightofthe

COVID-19 pandemic. The service expanded to 7 days a week to respond to increased demand.

Every year on February 11 (2/11) we recognize the impact and importance of Delaware 211 to our state. This edition of Feel Good Friday is dedicated to everyone who shares our passion and commitment to serve the community and support our neighbors who fight to overcome life’s hardships every day. It also gives us the opportunity to thank our extraordinary 211 team who respond to thousands of requests for help with kindness and compassion.

Starting today, we kick off a month of Delaware 211 activities and messages to bring attention to this vital community service. We hope you will follow us on our social media channels and help us spread the word. And if you know someone in need, help them reach us by asking them to dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898-211 or visit us online at www.delaware211.org.

We look forward to having you join us as a member of the Delaware 211 family. If you are seeking other ways to help, contact 211 Manager Jennifer Fromme at jfromme@uwde.org.