Michigan 2-1-1, a United Way network and a free service that connects Michigan residents to human services agencies and resources, created a COVID-19 dashboard to show the needs emerging from Michigan communities since the pandemic began.
Michigan 2-1-1, a United Way network and a free service that connects Michigan residents to human services agencies and resources, created a COVID-19 dashboard to show the needs emerging from Michigan communities since the pandemic began.
“Michigan 2-1-1 hopes this information contributes to the many parts of the COVID-19 conversation, planning and response efforts communities and organizations are implementing throughout Michigan,” Hassan Hammoud, executive director, Michigan 2-1-1 said.
CMF reported that in late March and early April, Michigan 2-1-1 was receiving 500 additional phone calls per day related to COVID-19. According to the dashboard, since March 2, nearly a third of the service’s 81,000 total calls have been related to COVID-19.
The dashboard provides insights from COVID-19 related calls:
Geographic footprint: Detroit, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo reported the most calls in the state.
Frequent requests: Assistance for food, electric bill payment assistance and rent assistance are the most common service needs among incoming calls.
Unmet needs: Michigan 2-1-1 reports that 8.15% of calls with COVID-related inquiries have not been resolved due to a lack of local resources.
"The 2-1-1 Dashboard has been a tremendous tool that allows us to keep our finger on the pulse of Michigan’s needs," Mike Larson, president and CEO, Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) told CMF. "At the system’s peak, Michigan 2-1-1 was seeing an average of 800 additional COVID-19 related calls per day. As we’ve leveled out, we’re now seeing an average of 300-400 calls per day. Additionally, corporate volunteers from Flagstar Bank and Delta Dental, among others, have stepped up and helped create additional capacity across the system."
View the Michigan 2-1-1 COVID-19 Dashboard.
