Wiregrass 211 connects volunteers with those in need

“It’s a toll free, easy to remember number people can call for critical health and human services needs,� said David Duke, executive director of Wiregrass United Way 211.

The Wiregrass 211 office is located in Dothan and, according to Duke, most of the requests for aid the group receives pertain to housing and energy support, food and meal programs and lack of healthcare.

“People call and have questions about where to go and what to do, and we have information about that,� Duke said. “We help people get clothing and personal items, household needs, legal assistance, mental healthcare and addiction support among other things.�  

Duke said 211 doesn’t provide any service directly, but rather helps people in need find other organizations that are set up to meet those needs.

“Wiregrass 211 is a place you can call when you have nowhere else to turn,� Duke said. “You’re going to speak to local operators and our services are available 24 hours a day.�

The Dothan 211 office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but after hours calls are transferred to an operator out of Birmingham.

“All of the organizations are connected statewide and we work very closely together,� he said. “We all use the same database and all of our resources and terminology are the same.�

Wiregrass 211 is a registered 501-3(c) non-profit organization and was spearheaded all across the nation by local chapters of the United Way.

“The Wiregrass United Way fought hard to get us here,� Duke said. “We didn’t have the funds to get up and running, but they provided us with a start up grant.�

Duke said the local United Way still contributes to the 211’s annual budget, which is around $125,000.

“Our office in Dothan consists of two employees and all of our operators are volunteers,� he said. “A lot of the calls we receive are from people wanting to volunteer.�

Duke said Wiregrass residents could call 211 to volunteer or to donate funds, clothing and other items.

“Whatever zip code the donor is calling from, we’re going to put them in contact with the agencies that need assistance in those areas,� Duke said.

According to Duke, 211 couldn’t do what it does without working closely with several local agencies.

Agencies such as Coffee County Family Services, the Department of Human Resources and Wiregrass United Way Food Bank receive referrals through 211.

“We’re not just giving out phone numbers,� Duke said. “We’re telling people what documentation is required and what agency is giving assistance and when.�

For a full list of services and additional information, visit wiregrass211.com.

Those in need of assistance or interested in volunteering can dial 211 or 1-888-421-1266.