United Way 2-1-1 is a multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral service available 24/7/365. Its database contains more than 20,000 programs and services such as after school programs, senior care services, medical and prescription assistance, credit counseling and mortgage foreclosure assistance, and housing and utility resources. Individuals can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer opportunities in their area.

2-1-1 partners include: Common Ground Sanctuary, Macomb County Crisis Center, Neighborhood Service Organization, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, United Way of Monroe County, United Way of Washtenaw County, and Huron Valley Ambulance.

Special Projects

2-1-1 On the Go!
In early 2007, 2-1-1 interviewed more than 70 homeless individuals and found their most common barriers to independence included the lack of identification, an address, and a phone number – all of which are needed to apply for a job and secure permanent housing.

In response, United Way 2-1-1 has launched an innovative pilot program, 2-1-1 On the Go! to help homeless individuals get off the streets and into full-time employment and permanent housing. To do this, two fully equipped cars go into the community and offer immediate on-site assistance by providing eligible individuals with tools to overcome the common barriers to employment and permanent housing. This includes providing a valid state ID, regional bus passes, as well as a voicemail box and mailing address for use in employment searches and obtaining other basic needs. Individuals who are willing and capable of working are eligible. Sponsors include: AT&T, Charter One Bank, Compuware, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, DTE Energy, The McGregor Foundation, Penske Corporation, The Renaissance Board, the Secretary of State Office, and Strategic Staffing Solutions.

For more information about 2-1-1 On the Go!, please contact United Way at 313-226-9478

9-1-1 Partnership
2-1-1 is working with 9-1-1 to route non-emergency calls that originate with 9-1-1 to be transferred to the 2-1-1 call center so individuals can receive the appropriate assistance. The effort will also free 9-1-1 operators so they can focus on emergency calls.

Emergency Response/Disaster Preparedness
We are developing a cost-effective coordination with other 2-1-1 call centers, public agencies, and private organizations for readiness to assist communities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

GIS Mapping
Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping is a system for capturing, storing and analyzing data. 2-1-1 uses this tool to map community assets and gaps based on the needs expressed in each call. This capability helps the community evaluate usage patterns and improve the human service delivery system to better serve metro Detroiters.

Long Term Care Connection
United Way 2-1-1 is supporting the Detroit Area Agency on Aging by conducting an initial assessment and providing necessary referrals to older adults who are seeking long term care options and solutions. 

Medicaid Enrollment
United Way 2-1-1 screens uninsured Wayne County residents who may be eligible for Medicaid. After determining their eligibility, 2-1-1 connects them to the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority to enroll in Medicaid.

Mortgage Deliquency and Foreclosure Assistance
Through a collaboration with 2-1-1 call centers across the state, United Way 2-1-1 is providing information, screening and assistance on mortgage foreclosure. This statewide partnership of 2-1-1 call centers is the first of its kind in Michigan and engages multiple sectors of the community including nonprofit, government and private. A Web site will also be available for individuals to obtain real-time, accurate information.

Osborn Project
2-1-1 is assessing the basic needs of residents within the Osborn Community, which is a Skillman Neighborhood, by providing appropriate resources, then communicating the needs back to the project coordinator for data collection and consumer reporting.

World Medical Relief Prescription Assistance Program
United Way 2-1-1 has partnered with World Medical Relief to assist those without prescription coverage in obtaining their routine medications. To qualify, one must be income-eligible, have no prescription drug coverage, and must have prescriptions for FDA-approved medications used to manage long-term or chronic health conditions. 2-1-1 verifies eligibility and refers eligible callers to World Medical Relief.

Listing your organization in the 2-1-1 Database
If you represent a nonprofit organization or other service provider and would like to be included in 2-1-1’s database, please download an application. United Way staff will follow up with eligible organizations. Being listed in our database is free of charge and will help people in our area gain access to additional resources. Review our policy on database development.

Connecting your Company or Organization to 2-1-1
2-1-1 can provide your employees with an invaluable link to resources in metro Detroit to help them and their families. By finding solutions for issues that arise in their personal lives, your employees will be more productive and happy in their workplace.

Organizations with standard landline phones should have no problem dialing 2-1-1, but sometimes, simple modifications must be made to your phone system if it is an in-house phone network or PBX system. If you experience problems dialing 2-1-1, please view this guide or contact Carol Hornung at Carol.Hornung@LiveUnitedSEM.org.