On February 11, we celebrate National 211 Day, recognizing the life-changing impact of United Way’s free, confidential, 24/7 helpline. Across the country, millions of people rely on 211 to connect with essential services, whether it’s food assistance, housing, healthcare, or mental health support.
Locally, Oshkosh Area United Way funds (OAUW) 211 for Southern Winnebago County, ensuring that anyone—whether facing a challenge or simply looking for local resources—can find support with just one call, text, or chat.
211 in Oshkosh and Surrounding Areas: By the Numbers
In 2024, 211 received 2,485 contacts from our service area—primarily phone calls, along with texts and chats. That means one person reached out for guidance for every 37 residents in our community.
5,514 referrals were made, connecting individuals with vital services.
The top five reasons people reached out were:
1️. Housing & Shelter
2️. Mental Health & Addictions
3️. Utilities
4️. Healthcare & COVID
5️. Transportation
These numbers highlight just how essential 211 is in helping individuals and families navigate available services and support systems.
211 tracks needs and trends, allowing communities to identify and address key challenges together.
More Than a Call Center: The Power of 211 Specialists
When you call 211, you’re not just being transferred to an agency, you’re speaking with a trained local specialist who understands the unique challenges and resources in our community.
211 specialists do more than “patch people through.” They take the time to listen, identify underlying issues, and connect callers with a wide range of services that address root causes—not just the immediate need.
Whether it’s a family struggling to pay rent, a veteran seeking mental health support, or a senior needing transportation to medical appointments, 211 specialists help people move forward by finding the right combination of resources.
211: A Lifeline During Disasters
211 isn’t just there for everyday challenges, it also plays a critical role in emergencies and disasters by:
- Providing evacuation instructions during severe storms, floods, and other disasters.
- Coordinating shelter, food, and water resources for displaced individuals and families.
- Connects individuals with federal agencies to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
During times of crisis, 211 delivers real-time, accurate information, helping people navigate uncertainty and get the assistance they need—fast.
Why 211 Matters | Rick Panske Shares His Story & Support for OAUW
Every 211 story is personal, and we invite you to hear from Rick Panske—a dedicated supporter of Oshkosh Area United Way. In his video, Rick shares his own experience with 211 and why he believes in keeping this resource strong for our community.
Watch Rick’s Story Here
How You Can Help
211 is available every day, every hour, for everyone—whether you’re facing a difficult situation or simply need to find local resources. Here’s how you can support 211 and keep it strong for our community:
✔ Share this post and Rick’s video to raise awareness.
✔ Advocate for 211 by telling your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about this free, 24/7 service that connects people to essential resources.
✔ Donate to Oshkosh Area United Way to ensure 211 continues to be a go-to resource for anyone seeking guidance, support, or connections to local services.
When you support Oshkosh Area United Way, you help keep 211 strong—providing access to help for everyone in our community when they need it most.
Looking for local resources? Dial 2-1-1 today.
Help keep 211 strong! Visit Oshkosh Area United Way to give.
This #211Day, let’s celebrate the power of connection, information, and community support. Together, we can ensure that help is always within reach for everyone.