MASS 2-1-1 is a statewide collaboration of local United Ways that recognize the need for people to access accurate information in non-emergency situations. By dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-MASS (6277), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, individuals or families can be connected to valuable resources at appropriate community-based organizations or government agencies.
*The following are stories we have collected over the last few months of actual callers*
“Our LYFT Program, which is offered in collaboration with United Way Worldwide assists callers who have barriers to accessing transportation in specific situations. This month we were able to support a caller who had a relative who lost a medically necessary mechanical device related to her breathing in a house fire. Mass211 was able to provide resources, but the caller stated they were too far away and she was not able to afford gas money to get the replacement device. Our LYFT program was able to provide transportation both ways for her to get the needed device.”
“Last week we received a call from a young man named Daniel who was completely overwhelmed and said he was about to lose everything he had worked so hard for. He shared that he was homeless and had no family to depend on. His family had been in and out of jail and suffered from alcoholism since he was a child. Daniel is an employee at a local college and was experiencing major employment issues. We suggested he consider contacting his Union Rep so they could try to mediate some of the issues he was facing at work. We gave him the phone number to Human Resources and suggested he follow up with them. We also referred him to Catholic Charities and Project Bread. He just seemed so confused and distraught and sounded like he needed some guidance.
One week later he called us back and was ecstatic! He thanked us for our services and explained that things were starting to turn around for him. Catholic Charities called and said they would help him with his housing situation, he was approved for food stamps, and he was waiting for one of the managers from the Union to call him back. We advised him that he can connect with the career center in his community just to have a backup plan and supplied him with the number. Thankfully things are starting to turn around for Daniel. He was very appreciative of our services. #Team211.”
“Mass 211 handles hundreds of calls per week related to immediate housing crises. One specific caller in desperate need of information and services for immediate housing was also vision impaired and needed immediate assistance that night. She was understandably very scared as it was impossible for her to navigate her search on her own. As we engaged with her, we were able to provide her with information on options for a shelter for that very evening. We also informed her that Mass 211 would be able to provide her with free LYFT transportation to any shelter in the area. We let her know of several programs which would help her find long term stable housing. Having any housing crisis is stressful. The whole team felt good about being able to provide assistance to this caller. Mass211 is always there to help individuals access information on resources they may need in their community.”