Celebrating 211 Day: A Lifeline for the Chattahoochee Valley

February 11th, known nationally as 211 Day, recognizes the three-digit phone number that connects residents to critical health and human services in their communities. In the Chattahoochee Valley, this vital resource continues to help thousands of individuals and families find support every year.

To commemorate the day, Mayor Henderson of Columbus presented a proclamation declaring February 11 as “211 Day” during the February 10th City Council meeting. United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley President and CEO Ben Moser accepted the proclamation alongside members of the local 211 call center team.

For more than 40 years, 211 has helped residents navigate resources for food, housing, healthcare, utilities, mental health, employment, childcare, and more.

How 211 Helps Our Community

In the past year alone, 211 of the Chattahoochee Valley responded to 13,486 calls and handled 19,662 requests for assistance, demonstrating the growing need for accessible community support.

The most common needs include:

• Housing & Shelter: 10,138 requests (50%) — rent assistance, low-cost housing, home repairs
• Utilities: 4,854 requests (24.2%)
• Food: 1,932 requests (9.7%)
• Mental Health & Addictions: 499 requests (2.5%)
• Healthcare & COVID-19: 215 requests (1.1%)

“Our 211 specialists provide empathetic, non-judgmental support to help people connect with the resources they need,” said Ben Moser, President and CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “This service is a lifeline for thousands of residents across the Chattahoochee Valley.”

The Human Impact of 211

Behind every call is a story.

One caller facing eviction mentioned an upcoming birthday during a conversation with a 211 specialist. A simple birthday wish became a meaningful moment of connection during a stressful time.

In another situation, a young mother fleeing domestic violence contacted 211 for help. Specialists connected her with safe housing and a sobriety support program, helping her secure immediate safety while building long-term stability.

“It is amazing the incredible work the 211 team does every day to support the community with empathy, kindness, and respect,” said 211 specialist Marina Figueroa. “Helping people gives meaning to my days.”

What Makes 211 Unique

211 is a free, confidential, multilingual, and nonjudgmental service available to residents across the Chattahoochee Valley. While specialists do not directly provide services, they connect callers to the full network of local resources available.

Often, a single call reveals multiple needs — from housing assistance to childcare, transportation, employment resources, or mental health support. 211 specialists help residents navigate these options and find both immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Areas Served by 211 of the Chattahoochee Valley

211 serves:

• Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Stewart, Talbot, and Taylor counties in Georgia
• Russell County, Alabama
• Fort Benning, Georgia

ZIP codes with the highest housing and shelter requests include: 31901, 31903, 31906, 31907, and 31904.

Types of Support Available Through 211

Residents can connect to resources including:

• Food pantries and meal programs
• Mental health and crisis support
• Childcare and family services
• Job training and employment resources
• Substance use and recovery support
• Veteran services
• Support groups for caregiving, grief, mental health, relationships, and more

How to Contact 211

Residents can reach 211 in several ways:

• Dial 2-1-1
• Call 706-748-8532
• Visit 211uwcv.org to search the online resource database anytime

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closed holidays).

How You Can Support 211 Day

On 211 Day, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley encourages residents to:

• Contact 211 if they need help
• Share 211 with friends, neighbors, and family
• Advocate for continued support of this essential service