“We maintain for the state of Michigan a directory of local public services.”
Sarah Kile is Director of Community and Partner Engagement for Michigan 211.
“So, we have thousands and thousands of agencies in our directory that, when someone calls us, they get a trained professional who listens to them and offers what is available in their community, and it’s all free, confidential, available to Michiganders 24/7.”
Kile says it’s that personal interaction with an actual human being that sets 211 apart from other social services.
“AI can do a lot of things, but it can’t provide you the dignity and the unbelievable amount of training and all the things that come along to someone saying, ‘Hello, can I help you?’”
Kile says the need for housing, food, and clothing assistance has been high with prices rising across the board.
“In 2025, we handled almost 450,000 distinct contacts to 211. That doesn’t include the millions of times people are searching online, and we made about 484,000 referrals for service.”
You can dial 211 directly or go online to Mi211.org for more information.
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