BAY CITY, MI (WNEM) -
Are you looking for a service that can provide information on important things like where to find a food pantry, or a clothing giveaway or even job training?
A brand new service is now available across Mid-Michigan that's designed to do just that, with a catchy name: 211.
Leaders of the state's 211 hotline launched an expansion on Monday.
The service is now available in 13 counties, including Bay, Midland and Saginaw. It's also online to take calls from residents in Isabella, Gratiot, Tuscola, Huron, Clare, Gladwin, Arenac and Roscommon counties.
"This is an opportunity for us to really help those that need the help, maybe even beyond their immediate needs," said Michigan 211 Executive Director David Eich.
The hotline is a tool that connects people with help in their community 24 hours a day, seven day a week.
The service is free thanks to donations from sponsors like the United Way and Dow Chemical.
Volunteers said with the tough times, more and more people need help.
"It helps everyone, [it] connects you to that first step," said 211 volunteer Sarah Kile.
Whether you have questions about job training or after school programs food banks or domestic violence, you can get all those answers by dialing one number - 211
Once you dial, you're connected to a trained professional who assesses your situation, identifies your needs and then provides you with resources to help.
To find out more about the service, check out their website here.
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