United Way working to bring 211 to Valdosta

Rachel Larson |, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

Apr. 5—VALDOSTA — Greater Valdosta United Way is working to get Valdosta covered by 211 — a free helpline much like 911 — that provides services to the community, such as mental health resources, support for seniors, volunteer opportunities and more.

According to the 211 website, "The 211 network in the United States responds to more than 21 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats, and text messages are from people looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation and health care."

GVUW CEO and President Michael Smith said that Georgia's population is at about 70% coverage, and that it is rural areas that are not.

However, thanks to Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, the United Way's 211 service will be able to cover a 19-county region in rural South Georgia, including five counties in Georgia's First Congressional District.

According to a press release on Sen. Ossoff's website, Sen. Ossoff worked alongside Congressman Carter to bring Republicans and Democrats together to deliver $213,000 for the project through this year's bipartisan government funding package.

"I've heard directly from Lowndes County leaders about the need to establish 211 services. That's why I got to work and brought Republicans and Democrats together to establish a new 211 Center for families in Valdosta to access services and support they need," Ossoff said.

"I thank Greater Valdosta United Way President and CEO Michael Smith for bringing this proposal to my office and for his leadership in the community." Smith said the GVUW 211 service will be set up for texting by the end of the year and calls to 211 will start in 2025.

"Columbus Area United Way will help answer the [211] calls but we'll have to increase staff at our office over time," Smith said. "We will start with text 211 coverage around five counties and then expand to call more counties in 2025. It is a process, but we are excited to bring this important number and resource to the region."