BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – February 11 is National 211 Day. Don’t know how to find or reach social services? Dial 211 — a free, 24/7/365 United Way of Southern West Virginia hotline of all the available assets in your area.
According to Executive Director Trena Dacal, whether you’re looking for legal aid, a local food pantry, or utility assistance (one of the greatest requests) — they keep a complete Southern West Virginia database and can connect callers.
“You will reach a human when you call 211, (just) enter your zip code,” Dacal said that allows the community resource specialist to access local resources for that particular caller.
The impact of this helpline: In 2024, SWV received almost 7,000 211 calls, and more than 25,000 callers throughout the state.
“It’s a wonderful community resource; we’re very proud of our 211 and community resource specialist who works here in the office,” said Dacal. “She’s compassionate and cheerfully takes those calls to uplift people who don’t know where to turn.”
Sometimes there’s desperation among callers.
“They’re looking at perhaps a termination notice or shortfall in their budget; the groceries can’t find their way to the household,” the executive director said. “Connections are so important and we can provide that through 211.”
