Nebraska 211 (United Way of the Midlands)

When you do not know which Nebraska program to call, dial 2-1-1. It is a free, confidential service. It connects you to a specialist who helps you find local health and human services near you. The service is managed by United Way of the Midlands. You can reach it from any Nebraska phone, or call 1-866-813-1731.

The referrals cover the needs that often pile up together. 2-1-1 helps with problems that are financial, domestic, or health-related. In plain terms, that means housing, utilities, food, and more. A specialist listens to what you need, then points you to local agencies and funds that can help right now.

The service covers a wide area. It serves the state of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. So it can help whether you are in Omaha, Lincoln, a small town, or just across the state line. The specialist finds services near your own address, not a generic list.

There is more than one way to reach 2-1-1. You can dial 2-1-1 by phone. You can also call 1-866-813-1731. You can text your zip code to 898211. Or you can chat and search online at ne211.org, with live chat open 7am to 10pm every day. Use whichever way is easiest for you.

It helps to know what 2-1-1 is and is not. It is an information and referral service. It is not a benefit you apply for, and it does not pay your bills itself. The value is that it knows which local agencies and funds have money or open intake right now, and that changes often.

It is open to everyone in Nebraska, at no cost, with no income test. Write down each referral's name, phone number, and hours. Then call those referrals quickly, since local funds open and close all the time. The United Way of the Midlands office can also be reached at (402) 342-8232.