Wausau mayor proclaims 211 Day to raise awareness for United Way

Mayor Doug Diny proclaimed Feb. 11 as 211 Day in Wausau to highlight United Way of Marathon County's 211 program. The 211 service operates 24/7 and last year handled more than 4,000 calls and offered over 9,000 referrals.

Mayor Doug Diny proclaimed Wednesday as 211 Day in Wausau, marking the city's first formal recognition of the date. February 11 is National 211 Day, and the proclamation was made to raise awareness of United Way of Marathon County's 211 program. The 211 service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and connects callers to resources such as rent and utility help, mental health services, shelter and food assistance. United Way representatives and community members gathered to acknowledge the work of 211 operators. Key details: - The mayor issued a proclamation recognizing Feb. 11 as 211 Day in Wausau. - United Way of Marathon County's 211 program is available 24/7 and helps people find local services including shelter, food pantries, utility and rent assistance, and mental health support. - Operators handled over 4,000 calls and provided more than 9,000 referrals last year. - United Way records caller needs and uses that data to identify gaps in local services. - Data-led changes included working with The Neighbor's Place to open its food pantry for two hours on Thursday nights to address evening access needs. - The program is confidential unless callers provide contact information for follow-up, and can be accessed by calling, texting, or through an app or website. Summary: The proclamation highlighted the local role of the 211 program and recognized the operators' work in connecting people to services. Undetermined at this time.