United Way of Marathon County’s 211 Program has seen a sharp increase in both calls and texts since March 11, 2020. Our call center has taken a total of 1,134 calls during the time period of March 11-26, 2020. Out of those calls, 395 were individuals with concerns or needs due to COVID-19. A majority of those COVID-19 calls have been people with question about the virus itself, what to do if they have a medical concern, or what the Governor’s orders mean for them. There has also been an increase in needs in the community, especially surrounding basic needs. Several calls have been from people concerned about being able to pay rent and utilities due to layoffs or reduced hours. Others are concerned with being able to afford food with their children suddenly home and not eating at school each day. We have also been able to connect callers who are in a high risk category (elderly and immunocompromised) to resources they wouldn’t otherwise need, such as grocery and prescription delivery.
As organizations in our community work to balance service provision with public safety, United Way's 211 is working to keep our resource database up to date with the most current information on health, human service, and government programs, as well as new resources that may be coming into being specifically targeting those affected by COVID-19.
211 has been designated as the official information and resource line by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services during the public health emergency. If your agency's programs have had changes in services, hours, intake procedures, or eligibility, or if your programs have been suspended, we want to know. If you have not been in touch with United Way's 211 about changes in services available to the public, please consider sharing your organization's changes with us to be communicated with Marathon County residents in need. To share changes, please email information to
askus@unitedwaymc.org. Include your agency name, any changes to services you'd like added to your database listing, and who we should contact if we have clarifying questions.
211 is a FREE, confidential and referral service, available 24-7 by phone, text, email and
online. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to use this resource if they need information.
