Updated on 6/21/2025
We’re reaching out today to ask for your support in an important advocacy effort to strengthen Michigan’s 211 system — a vital resource that many of our families, clients, and communities rely on.
United Way of the Lakeshore is partnering with the Michigan Association of United Ways and the Michigan 211 office to advocate for an increase in statewide 211 funding. We are asking community partners like you to write to legislative leaders urging them to include a $2.65 million increase for Michigan 211 in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
Take Action
Urge your legislators to support 211!
Michigan's 32nd Senate District (Benzie, Mason, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties)
Senator Jon Bumstead
Mailing Address:
Senator Jon Bumstead
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: (517) 373-1635
Email:
SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Draft Email/Letter:
Subject: Support for Michigan 211 $6.6 Million Budget Ask
Dear Senator Bumstead,
I hope you're doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m reaching out from the United Way of the Lakeshore to share an important update about the impact of 211 in our community and to share my support for Michigan 211’s budget request for $6.6 million in total state funding.
211 is a vital service that helps thousands of residents every day find assistance with utilities, food, tax preparation, shelter, and more—quickly and confidentially. Available 24/7 via phone, text, and web, 211 connected with over 17,600 people just last year in our district alone.
Thanks to recent state funding, 211 now does more than just provide referrals. It can schedule tax prep appointments, reserve shelter beds, and even arrange transportation to essential services—saving people time and frustration so they can focus on improving their lives.
However, expanding these capabilities across the state requires additional funding. Michigan 211 is requesting $6.6 million in the state budget, but current funding stands at only $3.95 million. We strongly support this request, along with 160 other agencies in Michigan, as it would help even more people in our community.
I’d love to ask for your office’s support in sharing this with Sen. Sylvia Santana, who leads the budget for 211 in your chamber. Please let me know if you have any questions or if we can discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and for all the work you do. I appreciate your consideration!
Michigan's 33rd Senate District (Montcalm and Newaygo Counties)
Senator Rick Outman
Mailing Address:
Senator Rick Outman
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: (517) 373-3760
Email:
SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Draft Email/Letter:
Subject: Support for Michigan 211 $6.6 Million Budget Ask
Dear Senator Outman,
I hope you're doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m reaching out from the United Way of the Lakeshore to share an important update about the impact of 211 in our community and to share my support for Michigan 211’s budget request for $6.6 million in total state funding.
211 is a vital service that helps thousands of residents every day find assistance with utilities, food, tax preparation, shelter, and more—quickly and confidentially. Available 24/7 via phone, text, and web, 211 connected with over 5,800 people just last year in our district alone.
Thanks to recent state funding, 211 now does more than just provide referrals. It can schedule tax prep appointments, reserve shelter beds, and even arrange transportation to essential services—saving people time and frustration so they can focus on improving their lives.
However, expanding these capabilities across the state requires additional funding. Michigan 211 is requesting $6.6 million in the state budget, but current funding stands at only $3.95 million. We strongly support this request, along with 160 other agencies in Michigan, as it would help even more people in our community.
I’d love to ask for your office’s support in sharing this with Sen. Sylvia Santana, who leads the budget for 211 in your chamber. Please let me know if you have any questions or if we can discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and for all the work you do. I appreciate your consideration!
