Celebrate National 211 Day

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma has experienced a hefty share of winter storms this year, but what many Oklahomans don't know is there's a number to call for community resources in times of disaster and calm. The commonly known number for emergencies is 911, then 211 is for non-emergencies.

With the recent winter weather there are plenty of common questions to 211 including, "Where can I find the closest shelter?, "What do I do when the power goes out?" and "Who can I talk to?" and that could be a lifeline for many.

Callers can get connected and receive an answer, that's why Gwyneth Mason wanted to be a 211 responder, hoping to help many in the metro.

"I like to say we listen bigger, especially to those who are going through a lot of different changes to their lives that's causing a lot of stress," Mason said.

Just in the last year, 211 saw a 30 percent jump in calls for basic needs from shelter to food.

"They're on the brink of losing their homes," said 211 Oklahoma State Director Lori Linstead. "They don't know how to feed their family. These are first time folks that have never ever used the system before. We have the resources that'll save you, the caller, from making eight to 10 calls trying to find help if you're in a crisis."

Since 211 started the number of calls to 911 have gone down.

"Which is what we wanted to do because we want our 911 folks to deal with true crisis and emergencies they're trained to deal with," Linstead said.

As for Mason, she's going on her 30th year now helping those she'll never meet, but she says that's OK.

"I could be on the other side of this headset at any time as well and if I needed help it's good to know there are support out there especially when you don't have any," Linstead said.

Learn more about the 211 service and how you can make donations through it.