Role We Play: Bridge
211 Resource Helpline
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.
Our Impact
100
million in funding secured in 2020
52
urgent needs met every hour
40,000
statewide resources in 100+ languages
What 211 Does in the Community
Connects People to
Information and Referrals
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.
Gathers and Quantifies
Information Needs
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.
The Role of the Data
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.
Housing Advocacy
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, Direct of 211 Resource Helpline
Who’s Answering the Call?
“I get excited when I hear about new social programs because it means more help for those who need it.”
– Jacky, 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.”
– Kendra Morales, 211 Community Resource Specialist
Get Connected Through 211
If you need help getting your needs met, call, chat, text or search 211 to find resources in your community.
Spread the Word
Help spread the word about 211, so people can get referred to the resources and services they need.
Join Us as a Changemaker
Donate today to 211 and help us bridge the gaps in our community.
