- United Way of the Coastal Empire is proud to celebrate 211 Day, which is recognized by United Way organizations across the country on February 11th every year.

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service provided by United Way of the Coastal Empire to ensure every person in our four-county service area including Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties has access to the best resources available.

In addition to promoting awareness of this valuable community service, 211 Day is also about expressing gratitude to the United Way Direct Services 211 team that does this important work every day.

United Way’s 211 team maintains a database of information and referral partners that provide programs or services to support the needs of residents in our community. The team also manages direct service-related funds that United Way works to secure from generous donors, grants, or government partnerships. United Way is only able to provide emergency financial assistance based on eligibility and available resources, which change often.

“During the pandemic, the community generously supported United Way’s Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund that raised and distributed nearly $700,000 to help people who had lost their jobs and needed assistance before federal funds were available. 211 played a vital role in the effort, and later when much-needed federal relief funds were available, 211 processed nearly $10 million dollars to keep people safely housed and utilities on,” said United Way of the Coastal Empire President and CEO Brynn Grant. “We could not have done this without the infrastructure that is our 211 operations. There was no established system like it.”

Federal funds are now only available in a limited capacity through a program with the City of Savannah designed to assist individuals and families living within the city limits with:
• Security deposits and first month's rent for those displaced or at risk of homelessness by working with two partner agencies, Social Apostolate and Family Promise of the Coastal Empire.
• Security deposits and utility deposits through the Housing Authority of Savannah.

United Way can no longer provide the kind of rental payment assistance that was possible when significant federal funds were available. While those rental assistance programs have ended, 211 is continuing its mission to help residents find the help they need.

“211 has played a vital role in our community, providing our neighbors with information and referrals for supportive programs and services. When there are gaps, United Way may be able to provide emergency funding depending on available resources, including supplemental emergency rental assistance,” said Vice President of Direct Services Cheri Dean. “The needs are great in number and wide-ranging, from a young mother needing to escape an abusive relationship to a family with an emergency need for food or shelter. Every day, our team is answering calls from people who are often at the lowest points in their lives.”

If you need help or know someone who does, please contact 211:
• Call 211 (between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday)
• Visit online at www.uwce.org/211 anytime
• Email [email protected] anytime

If you can give help to support those in need, make a donation online at www.uwce.org or call (912) 651-7700.