211 Helpline provides a 24/7 resource for Nebraskans in need

That’s why the helpline, which is administered through the United Way of the Midlands, is available 24/7 to help connect those in need of assistance with local resources.

The 211 Helpline is one of several programs that Goodfellows partners with to provide one-time emergency assistance to people in crisis.

Goodfellows was founded in the 1890s, and since 2020, the Omaha World-Herald and United Way of the Midlands have partnered together to administer the Goodfellows program.

The Federal Communications Commission established 211 as the national three-digit number for information and referrals to social services and other assistance in 2000, according to the 211 website. Currently, more than 200 organizations facilitate the program in different areas of the United States.

“It gives the people an easy number to remember to call in regards to needs or resources to better their lives,” said Steve Rippe, the senior director of Nebraska’s 211 Helpline. “We’re almost like 411, but it’s in regard to needs.”

The 211 Helpline through the United Way of the Midlands serves all of Nebraska, and as of July, most counties in Iowa.

Rippe said as the end of the year approaches, the helpline assisted nearly 300,000 people this year. That is down from around 364,000 people in 2022, according to the United Way’s website. In 2022, however, the program also was fielding calls about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is no longer available, Rippe said.

“That kind of skews the numbers from last year and this year, “ he said. “I can tell you the needs this year are much higher than the needs from last year.”

In addition to calling 211, individuals also can access resources by texting their ZIP code to 898211 or by using the email or chat forms available at ne211.org. There is also an app that can be downloaded and an online list of resources people can browse on the website.

The top five types of assistance the helpline is contacted about are rental assistance, utility assistance, transportation, food and financial assistance, Rippe said.

When someone reaches out to 211, the first thing the center’s specialists ask for is the person’s ZIP code. That way they can provide local resources, Rippe said.

“We ask them how we can help them, and based off of what their needs are, we give them the resources that are going to best assist them,” he said.

Those contacting 211 in need of rental assistance or utility assistance can receive up to $1,000 Goodfellows funding directly through the program if they qualify and haven’t received it before, Rippe said. Otherwise, the program points callers to resources available in their area that can provide support.

The helpline’s specialists are trained and certified in how to respond to those in need and focus on where help is available, Rippe said. For example, while there may not be resources available to assist with car repair costs, 211 could point an individual to rental and utility assistance that could help free up money to cover the repair cost.

“That’s a vital part, because sometimes people don’t think about that,” he said.

While applying for aid is never an easy process, the 211 Helpline hopes to help individuals through the process by assisting them one-on-one, Rippe said.

“We are there to walk them through the process and give them the accurate information necessary for them to better their lives,” he said.