Updated: 13 Hours ago Published: 13 Hours ago

Where would you turn…

What if you receive an unexpected health diagnosis, are no longer able to work and can't pay your mortgage?

What if you suddenly became the caregiver for your disabled grandchild?

What if your car broke down and you had to choose between feeding your family and getting to work because of the repairs?

Alaskans who need help should call 211

When faced with a new challenge, the three-digit number 2-1-1 should always be chosen first and is therefore easy to remember.

Calls are answered by 211 Community Resource Specialists – compassionate, trained professionals who listen carefully to what is and is not being said. “It's important for callers to speak up,” says Jen, our 211 Call Center Manager. “Some may be struggling with multiple issues that are related or separate. They all need answers.”

That human connection and conversation is vital. Clear instructions and help navigating complicated social services saves callers both time and frustration under enormous stress. In fact, it often makes all the difference.

Alaska 211 changes lives

Since its launch in 2007, Alaska 211 has connected more than 560,000 callers to assistance.

Last year, 90% of our callers were connected to solutions that met their needs. While we're proud of this statistic, we still need to improve.

Only when an organization joins our database can 211 specialists connect Alaska residents with their services and programs. Once that happens, callers benefit. Health care providers, social workers, parliamentary staff, and school counselors use 211 to find support services for their clients.

By sharing real-time data on the calls we receive, we are also helping Alaska make adjustments and increase resources to better meet people's needs.

Alaska 211 serves as an important information resource

Consider this inspiring example: Our partnership with the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has opened a world of additional resources for these students inside and outside of school. By connecting with their school district's homeless outreach officer, 526 students and families received this support.

How can you make a difference for 211?

Alaska 211 belongs to all Alaskans. The connections 211 makes strengthen Alaska families by getting them the support they need. It is the connective tissue of the safety net we rely on to keep our children, our workforce and our communities healthy.

211 is as strong as the resources it connects people to. To strengthen this powerful system, we need the participation of all the service providers, businesses and funders who serve our communities. Your input is critical to ensuring we can and will continue to meet the needs of all Alaskans for years to come. Where will you make an impact?

Susanne Brogan serves as Chief Operating Officer for United Way of Anchorage and Alaska 211.

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