By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Three-digit phone numbers are an easy way for the public to access assistance: 9-1-1 for emergencies, 8-1-1 to Dig Safe, 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. There's also 2-1-1. United Way of Central Kansas Director Charell Owings reminds those in need it's an easy way to reach out for assistance.
"All you have to do is provide your zip code, and they will give a list of resources in that area, based on what your needs are," she said. "Anyone across the state of Kansas can dial 2-1-1, and they'll be put in touch with somebody that can get them a list of resources in their communities."
UWCK recently released figures from local usage of the service in Barton and Pawnee counties. Forty percent of contacts needed assistance with utilities, and 13 percent requested rent assistance. Another 12 percent requested assistance for housing or transportation. Calling or texting 2-1-1 will put those in need with a list of area providers that can help.
"It's just a way to centralize that information into one place so that when you call you can get referrals," Owings said. "You're not being sent on a wild goose chase of trying to find help when you're down on your luck and probably don't have the time and resources to be making 20 phone calls to try and find help."
UWCK gives a small portion of its funds to United Way of the Plains, which coordinates the many assistance options into the easy-to-use format.
"They have the staff and the manpower to be able to do that, whereas our office has basically less than one employee working for us," Owings said. "That's not something we would be able to do here locally, so we contract that through United Way of the Plains and they do all that for us."
2-1-1 also has categories for food, mental health, employment, and legal assistance among several others. Those searching for opportunities to volunteer can also use the service.