United Way of Greater Atlanta understands that a mother’s health is integral to the health of her children. Health, in this case, includes financial stability, mental and emotional health, food security, and other factors that encompass well-being. Created in 1997, United Way’s 2-1-1 Contact Center has become a one-stop resource for many single mothers.
United Way’s 2-1-1 offers a variety of services, from rent and utility assistance to aiding with finding clothing and food. With their extensive list of partner agencies, 2-1-1 operators serve as a liaison between those in need and those who can help.
Over 17 years ago, Stayce Michelle, Delta Air Lines employee and active member of United Way, was once a single mother in need. After leaving an abusive relationship, she and her young son, Marcus, had reached a point of financial desperation.
She recounts the moment her life changed on MARTA one day.
"I happened to be riding on a train and seeing a sign for 2-1-1. ‘Need help, resources? Call 2-1-1.’”
She called, and the rest is history. Now an advocate for 2-1-1 and United Way, Michelle received life-changing financial assistance that allowed her and her son to thrive. She’s one of many who found help at the other end of the line.
As evidenced by the latest 2-1-1 data, the need for assistance seems to be growing each year. From July 2022 to June 2023, 2-1-1 received over 100,000 requests from individuals and families looking for assistance, with the highest volume of requests coming from South Fulton. Sixty-eight percent of those requests were from single women, over half of whom had children. An overwhelming percentage of single mothers contact 2-1-1 for housing-related issues, like inability to pay rent or a security deposit. For these moms, 2-1-1 isn’t a service — it’s a lifeline.
2-1-1 is proud to serve the resilient women of Greater Atlanta. This Mother’s Day, United Way honors all mothers who have persevered in the face of extreme adversity to improve the lives of their children.
"I happened to be riding on a train and seeing a sign for 2-1-1. ‘Need help, resources? Call 2-1-1.’”
