Times are tough. If you or someone you know needs help, just dial 2-1-1. 

It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211. Toll free: 1-800-543-7709.

Multilingual lines available. For Russian services call: 651-698-9167.

Trained information specialists and volunteers can connect you to over 40,000 community resources including:

Current News

Energy Assistance Available
Free money may be available to pay part of your annual energy costs. Establish a payment plan, lower your monthly payments or get help paying past-due balances.

Income eligibility requirements apply.

Get more details (PDF).

2-1-1 on the Today Show

H1N1 Novel Influenza Makes a Return

Minnesota FluLine
Minnesotans with flu symptoms can now call the toll-free line at 1-866-259-4655 for information and treatment options. Professionals will be available 24/7. People with limited English skills will be connected with an interpreter. There is no charge.

Callers with flu symptoms will be connected with a participating nurse at MN FluLine, or a nurse at a triage line operated by their own provider network or health plan. The nurses will evaluate the health concerns of callers and discuss treatment options, determining which option is most appropriate for each individual.

United Way 2-1-1
We are in close contact with the State Department of Public Health and Emergency Management to ensure we have the most up-to-date information and can take referrals from the FluLine. Minnesotans needing general (non-medical) flu information can call 2-1-1 from a land line, 651-291-0211 from a cell phone, or call toll-free: 1-800-543-7709. Since August 1, United Way 2-1-1 has made over 200 referrals related to the flu.

Stay Healthy
There are several things you can do now to keep yourself and your children healthy during this time.

• Stay informed. United Way 2-1-1 is available 24/7 with the most updated resources and information, and can connect you with local resources if you are sick and don't have access to healthcare.
• Because the flu spreads from person-to-person, take everyday actions to protect yourself and others:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue after use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching you eyes, nose or mouth—germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick and limit your contact with others. Monitor your child's health and keep them from school if they exhibit symptoms.
• Create a precautionary family emergency plan: stock food supplies, medicine, face masks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
  Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Resources
Get more information from the Minnesota Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control.
Track confirmed cases at FluTracker.
Plan for an emergency at PandemicFlu.gov.

National Response
Nationally, United Way of America and AIRS are coordinating a national database of resources related to this influenza and we will be participating in downloading our information into that software so the national 2-1-1 system will be able to report results and provide access to the most up-to-date national resources.

Community Trends

United Way 2-1-1 is an excellent resource for data about community trends. Recent statistics indicate that requests for emergency food and shelter are on the rise in our community. Read our Community Trends Update.

View/print the United Way 2-1-1 Fact Sheet (PDF).

Foreclosure Avoidance

President Obama recently announced the administration's Foreclosure Prevention Plan to help seven to nine million families restructure or refinance their mortgages to avoid foreclosure. For more information visit their Website or call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 from a land line or 651-291-0211 from a cell phone.

Disaster Response

Locally and nationally, United Way responds to many kinds of crises—tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods, epidemics and more.

United Way of America's 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund
Gifts to United Way of America's 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund will support services that help to bring a community back better than before.

Find out how you can plan for an emergency before it happens.  Read our Disaster Preparedness Tipsheet.

2-1-1 Directory of Services

Download the free United Way 2-1-1™ database, with over 30,000 statewide resources. Search engine is included with the database.

Instructions are included at this link: http://callcenter.ctkodm.com

Support for downloading or using the database is available: call 651-291-8401 or e-mail Cort at: martinc@unitedwaytwincities.org.