City declares 2-1-1 Awareness Day

Looks to educate more residents of services

The city of Lorain declared Feb. 11 the 2-1-1 Awareness Day as the program reaches its 14th year assisting people with basic needs and crises.

The 2-1-1 First Call for Help program was launched in 2010 by the United Way of Greater Lorain County and has responded to more than 441,000 requests for assistance from residents, according to a proclamation passed by City Council at its meeting Feb. 5.

The program offers assistance for people’s basic necessities such as housing, utilities, food and health issues, both physical and mental, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley said.

Bradley compared the program to the actions of the book of Matthew in the Bible as he explained the program at the meeting.

“That’s really what 2-1-1 is about, is to follow the teachings of Matthew and to provide those in crisis, those in need and to help our community,” he said. “I urge all citizens to be aware that if they are overwhelmed and in crisis, 2-1-1 is available any time of day or night and that the 2-1-1 staff can also provide referrals for mental health counseling, substance abuse, health care, employment, food assistance, day care, volunteering, VITA free income tax preparation and so much more.”

The caring staff of 2-1-1 continue to be that beacon of hope providing crisis support and resources when people are overwhelmed and do not know where to turn, the proclamation stated.

The service is available 24 hours a day year round, Bradley noted.

“Web searches since July 1, 2023, have already exceeded the total searches conducted in 2021, and it is anticipated that calls will surpass 16,000, a milestone achieved only three times in the past 14 years,” according to the proclamation.

Ryan Aroney, executive director of United Way of Greater Lorain County, attended the Council meeting to receive the proclamation.

The Lorain County Commission also declared Feb. 11 as 2-1-1 First Call for Help Awareness Day at its Feb. 2 meeting with passage of a similar proclamation.

The commissioners presented Colleen Walts, director of

marketing for the United Way of Greater Lorain County, with a proclamation.

“It always surprises me when I go out into the community, whether it’s at a health fair or a community event, and people are not aware of 2-1-1,” Walts told the commissioners.