We are seeing urgent needs emerging from communities across the state as the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are beginning to surface.

Michigan 2-1-1, a United Way network and a free service that connects Michigan residents to human services agencies and resources, is currently inundated with calls from those who need access to services or resources.

On average, Michigan 2-1-1 is receiving 500 additional calls each day to address COVID-19 questions, concerns and resource requests.

According to 2-1-1 data, the top five referrals for callers include:

• Food pantries

• Health information

• Utility assistance

• Rent payment assistance

• Unemployment insurance

Since 2-1-1 began tracking COVID-19 related calls, they’ve provided referrals to more than 380 different services. So far, the service has received more than 7,700 COVID-19 related calls.

We reached out to Mike Larson, president and CEO of Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW), Michigan 2-1-1 board member at large and MAUW representative, to share what he is seeing at the state level during this crisis.

Larson said it’s clear Michiganders are truly in need of basic services.

“United Ways across the state are mobilizing both the human and financial resources to ensure that ALICE families (those who are asset limited, income constrained and employed) and individuals have access to basic necessities they desperately need to make it through this crisis,” Larson said.

Michigan 2-1-1 is working in partnership with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and agencies across her administration as well as with the Michigan Community Services Commission, regional 2-1-1 centers, MAUW and other key partners to coordinate response efforts.

“Having the foundation of response efforts operationalized, much of our focus is shifting towards continuing to assess our data to better understand how we can mobilize our networks to address changing needs and capacity building for 2-1-1 centers,” Hassan Hammoud, executive director of Michigan 2-1-1 told CMF. “2-1-1 is currently working with local United Way partners to identify opportunities to leverage staff and volunteer networks to help increase capacity for the statewide 2-1-1 centers.”

Michigan 2-1-1 recognizes the need for increased capacity during the pandemic and long term.

Many CMF members are working in concert with local United Ways, activating response funds to address community needs. A listing of 20 active response and relief funds is featured on CMF’s Resource Central site.

CMF is convening weekly calls with MAUW, the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), and the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) to coordinate efforts around emergency assistance especially as it relates to fiscal and human capital. We’ve also coordinated policy efforts. As one example, CMF, MNA and MAUW sent a joint letter to Michigan’s congressional delegation seeking their support for our nonprofit partners.

We will continue to stay closely connected as response efforts across the state continue.