Getting Help

What did the community have to say in the survey about getting help?

"Often people in need are in such a position that they don't have the wherewithal, the strength or the support group to search for the organization/people/resources they need," said one respondent who indicated getting help should be a priority for our community. What is the need? Overwhelmingly, the response came: a need for an accessible, central information and referral resource.

"There should be a common, well-known place in the tri-county area that people can call or visit to find out what services are available and where to get them." Those who needed assistance could access a central source to find out how to:

• Maintain or reclaim self-sufficiency for themselves, their children and families
• Maintain or make possible cleaner, safer and more diverse communities
• Access services for specific target groups, including youth, seniors, low-income individuals and families, developmentally disabled individuals, etc.
• Receive financial and tax assistance

"Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge...above all, the availability of help and how to find it."

Are you aware of 211? It's a call center providing access to information and referral for metropolitan Detroit's health and human service needs. Check it out and tell us what you think. How can it be further leveraged in our community?