People all over Western Wisconsin can use this resource to ask about services available in our area. That can range from support groups to homeless shelters. Lately, 211 reports people are focused on financial and housing help.

Information from United Way of Dunn County:

Use of the new 2-1-1 information and referral service by Dunn County residents has nearly doubled since its official kick-off in mid-June. Not surprisingly, more than 40% of the referrals made by Great Rivers 2-1-1, the organization that provides the 2-1-1 service to Dunn County, were housing-related.

Almost 61% of the housing-related referrals were for assistance with paying rent or utilities, with another nearly 15% for issues of homelessness and 3% for help with mortgage foreclosures.

Great Rivers 2-1-1 made 303 referrals to services for Dunn County residents in the third quarter of 2008. The top ten referrals were:

1. Rent payment assistance
2. Utility assistance
3. Temporary financial assistance
4. Homeless shelter
5. Gas money
6. Low income/subsidized rental housing
7. Emergency shelter
8. Food pantries
9. Soup kitchens
10. Mortgage foreclosure assistance

Other referral issues included transportation, counseling, legal aid, dental care, mentoring programs, childcare providers and volunteer opportunities.

2-1-1 is the phone number set aside by the Federal government for local information and referral services, just as 9-1-1 is set aside for police, fire and medical emergencies, and 4-1-1 is set aside for telephone number information.

Anyone can access this service by dialing the numbers 2-1-1 from any landline and most cell phones. Those whose phone service does not yet provide direct dialing to 2-1-1 can dial the toll-free number 800-362-8255 .

To find the website, Click here.

2-1-1 takes the guesswork out of finding the right place to call for nearly any non-life-threatening crisis or question. This free, confidential service is available to anyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.