National 211 Day: Connecticut residents encouraged to dial 211 for 24/7 support services
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Feb. 11 is National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7 three-digit resource that helps millions of people in the U.S.
An event at the capitol complex in Hartford Tuesday morning aimed to educate the public about 211, and to call attention to how many more people need help these days.
'My whole life changed when I met 211,' Samantha Rosado said.
She called 211 after her parents suddenly died.
'They helped me with legal advice for the situation I was going through and then they helped me with housing, they gave me a case manager,' Rosado said.
French bulldog 'Poppy' reported in stolen SUV reunited with family
The United Way coordinates 211, and on this date of 2/11, they try to educate the public about it. For one thing, it's never been busier.
'People that weren't calling before, 3-4 years ago, are calling now because they were not able to make ends meet,' said Yocasta Duran, a senior call specialist who answers some of those calls.
Most calls are about mental health, housing, and food insecurity. Duran puts callers in touch with the proper help, like Connecticut Foodshare.
'There is poverty, and there is food insecurity in every town in Connecticut,' Foodshare's President & CEO Jason Jakubowski said. 'There's at least one family in each of the 169 towns.'
The United Way says the need for help has grown 300% in the last five years.
'And I anticipate that it will continue to grow when we are looking at the price of eggs now being between $6-10,' said Shawonda Swain, the president & CEO of the Middlesex United Way. 'Everything is going up. People are really struggling.'
Those call specialists are not just listening to that one issue and then getting help for that one problem. They have a whole list of things about which they then ask callers. So, they call for one thing, they get help for several others.
'I go and I speak to them, I try to trouble shoot with them so we can see the bigger need. Did you eat? Did you eat today?' Duran said.
For Rosado, that help was life-changing, as in keeping her from living on the streets.
'Food pantries, then it went to shelters, then it went to clothing. Every aspect of my life they've actually been helping me in,' Rosado said.
People can get that help by dialing 2-1-1 or going to 211ct.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Underwater drone stumbles upon France's deepest shipwreck
Archaeologists have discovered by chance what they say are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 1.5 miles underwater off southern France, the deepest such find in its section of the Mediterranean or any other French waters. Archaeologists believe the ship was sailing from northern Italy loaded with ceramics and metal bars before it sunk. Despite a little modern waste dotting its sunken cargo at 8,422 feet below sea level, researchers were excited about the potential of an archaeological site largely preserved intact. "It's the deepest shipwreck ever found in French territorial waters," Arnaud Schaumasse, the head of the culture ministry's underwater archaeology department, said late Wednesday. France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research released images of the shipwreck on social media, saying the vessel was discovered "during a military operation to explore the seabed." An underwater drone stumbled upon the sunken ship by chance in early March in waters near Saint-Tropez in southeastern France, deputy maritime prefect Thierry de la Burgade said. "The sonar detected something quite big, so we went back with the device's camera, then against with an underwater robot to snap high-quality images," he said. The drone was patrolling the seabed as part of a government project to explore and monitor France's deep-sea resources, from minerals to deep-sea internet cables. Archaeologist Marine Sadania said experts discovered 200 jugs with pinched spouts among the wreckage at the site they have dubbed "Camarat 4." Some of these jugs were marked with the monogram "HIS," the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, or covered with plant-inspired or geometric patterns. Those details seemed to indicate the jugs hailed from the Liguria region in what is now northern Italy, she said. "Camarat 4 is a remarkable discovery for its depth, unprecedented character and the opportunity it offers to study an almost intact 16th-century wreck," France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research said. "As if time froze" Experts also identified piles of around 100 yellow plates, two cauldrons, an anchor and six cannons. Modern waste, such as a soda can or an empty yogurt container, were spotted too. One image released by officials appeared to show an aluminum can next to an anchor. But despite this, "the site -- thanks to its depth which prevented any recovery or looting -- has remained intact, as if time froze, which is exceptional," Sadania said. Over the coming two years, she and colleagues plan to draw up a 3D digital version of the ship, as well as extract samples from the site to better study them before returning them to the public domain. According to the defense ministry in charge of exploring France's deep seas, researchers can remove an item from a shipwreck by guiding a submarine robot with pincers or arms, via a long cable linking the device to a boat on the surface. Officials said further analysis will be carried out by ceramic experts, archaeologists and specialists in naval architecture. The deepest French authorities had found a sunken vessel until now was 2.3 kilometers under sea level off the southern city of Toulon in 2019. The wreckage belonged to La Minerve, a French submarine that plunged to its demise in 1968 with 52 navy crew on board, only four minutes after the start of a routine assignment. Video shows Air India plane crashing in Ahmedabad Air India plane crashes shortly after takeoff, carrying more than 240 people An accused woman skips her pedicure, kills her ex-husband
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Black Bear Spotted Casually Roaming Behind Elderly Woman with Her Walker in Connecticut Suburb
A black bear was caught on camera casually strolling behind an elderly woman with her walker on a quiet street in West Hartford, Connecticut The woman hurried home with her caretaker after noticing the animal, the outlet reported There has been an increase in bear sightings in the state recently, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental ProtectionA black bear has been caught on camera casually strolling around a quiet neighborhood in Connecticut. On the morning of Wednesday, June 11, two black bears were spotted roaming near Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, local ABC-affiliated station WTNH reported. The station's anchor, Dennis House, captured footage of the bears on Asylum Street, with the outlet also sharing a clip on YouTube showing one bear walking not far from an elderly lady with her walker. The woman and her caretaker hurried home after spotting the animal, the outlet noted. Her son-in-law, Bob Mitchell, recalled to WTNH, "She was coming in, they were both white, trying to get through the door, and she goes 'There's a bear.' " "It doesn't matter to her, she's tough," he added about whether his mother-in-law's walks will continue. A woman's 13-year-old daughter was also greeted by two bears in West Hartford this week after getting off the school bus, per NBC Connecticut. It's not clear if it was the same two animals. Jeannette Dardenne told the outlet of her daughter, 'She got off and I got a phone call, she said in a really calm voice, 'Mom there is a bear in front of me,' and I said 'Okay,' and she kind of paused and said 'there are two bears in front of me.' " 'I think she was more like, 'It's beautiful', and I think it was also a lesson for her to recognize that there are wild animals here and you do have to take note,' Dardenne added, per the publication, insisting she'd "never once felt endangered from a bear." Per the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), "Black bears are increasingly common in Connecticut." "Reports of bear sightings, even in heavily populated residential areas, are on the rise. The Wildlife Division has also seen an increase in the number of reported conflicts with black bears," it added. The department stated, "The primary contributing factor to human-bear conflicts is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses." "Black bears that consume human-associated food (e.g., birdseed, trash, pet food) on a regular basis become habituated (comfortable near people) and food-conditioned (associate humans, houses and neighborhoods with food)," it added. The post continued, "As the bear population continues to grow and expand its range in Connecticut, and bears become increasingly food-conditioned, conflicts will continue to increase. Food-conditioned bears pose a greater risk to public safety and often cause more property damage to houses, cars, pets, and livestock." DEEP urged the public never to feed bears, to remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through November, to store garbage securely and to keep barbecue grills clean. The department also told people not to leave pet food outdoors, to supervise pets at all times when outside and to avoid placing certain foods in compost piles, as well as never attempting to approach a bear. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. DEEP is currently tracking an increase in bear sightings in Conn., with the bear population in the state estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,200, per NBC Connecticut. The department said that if a bear is left alone, it'll usually just make its way to a more natural habitat, the outlet noted. 'Right now, the entire state of Connecticut is bear country, we have bears in every town in Connecticut,' DEEP's Wildlife Division Director, Jenny Dickson, said, according to the publication. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
18 Fast-Growing Shrubs That Quickly Transform Your Yard
If you are eager to see fast results in your landscape, planting a fast-growing shrub is the answer. A shrub is considered fast-growing when it adds between 2 feet to more than 3 feet of growth per year. There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer. The growth habits of the plants vary, too, ranging from low-lying shrubs to small trees that can be shaped and pruned to suit your space. Whether you live in Texas with its hot summers and mild to cool winters or anywhere else in the South, there are different options for fast-growing shrubs. Many of them are tough and withstand extreme weather events. Here are 18 shrubs that put your landscape on the fast track. Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia spp. Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year While there are a variety of crepe myrtles to choose from, most fall within the shrub or small tree category. They are easy to grow and produce interest in the garden all year long, from long-lasting clusters of pink, white, or red blooms that start in June to their exfoliating bark in winter, the true calling card of this Southern classic. Expect lots of growth when given proper growing conditions. Once established, crepe myrtles only need water about once every other week. Learn More Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla Sun Exposure: Partial Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year The French hydrangea, also known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a showstopping shrub. The profuse blooms, either mopheads or lacecaps, come in a wide range of colors (and you can tweak their color by altering the soil acidity). For a continuous bloom all summer, select a repeat-blooming variety such as 'Endless Summer' that will flower on both old and new growth. Plant in well-draining soil amended with organic matter, and give them enough water so the top few inches of soil remain moist. Hydrangea is toxic to humans and pets. Learn More Botanical Name: Ligustrum x ibolium Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 3 feet per year One of the fastest growing shrubs on this list, north privet matures rapidly to a height of up to 8 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Its appearance is characterized by a pyramid-like shape and glossy, dark green leaves. Plant this low-maintenance, fast grower as a privacy hedge. Pollinators are attracted to its fragrant white flowers. Beware of confusing north privet with its invasive cousin, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). Botanical Name: Weigela florida Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, sandy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year While not the fastest grower on this list, weigela shrubs are still a good choice for dense growth and relatively quick spread. They reach their mature size within a few growing seasons. Bell-shaped, rosy pink flowers appear throughout April and May. Though a location in full sun ensures the best foliage color, weigela also does well in dappled sunlight. Botanical Name: Forsythia x intermedia Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year With upright, sometimes arching branches and a cloud of yellow blooms that flower on last year's wood, the forsythia is an iconic sight in the South. It will grow in a rounded shape and reach a height of 8 to 10 feet when mature. If you're looking for a smaller variety, opt for a more compact form such as Show Off® Sugar Baby®. Forsythia withstands some drought and tolerates clay soil if it is amended with organic matter. Botanical Name: Linnaea amabilis (previously Kolkwitzia amabilis) Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Best suited for the Upper South, the beauty bush is beloved for its abundant pink flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds and complement the deep green foliage. Plant it as a focal point in the landscape or as a stunning hedge. When mature, it reaches between 6 to 10 feet in height and width. Beauty bush is resistant to drought and deer, and it tolerates clay soil. Full sun produces more flowering, but partial shade brings out more vibrant foliage color. Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year These large, rounded shrubs or multi-trunked trees need plenty of room to grow as they mature at three to 20 feet tall and wide. They feature grayish-green leaves and fragrant panicle blooms in shades of white, pink, blue, or lavender. It is drought-tolerant and grows in sandy or rocky areas. In Zone 6, chaste tree may die back to the ground in winter but resprouts in the following growing season. Chaste trees attract lots of pollinating insects and birds. Learn More Botanical Name: Viburnum opulus Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, sandy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year This most recognizable of viburnum varieties grows up to 12 feet tall or more with a spread of 12 to 15 feet. While not an extremely fast grower, snowball viburnum is very attractive with clouds of flowers that appear in May and look similar to mophead hydrangea. The flowers also make good cut flowers. In fall, the leaves turn red-orange. Snowball viburnum prefers moist, loamy soil that is well-drained but tolerates other soils. Learn More Botanical Name: Melaleuca spp. Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11 Growth Rate: 3-6 feet per year This fast-growing shrub got its name from the shape of its colorful flowers, which grow as dense spikes or round clusters in red, pink, yellow, or white that attract hummingbirds. The size and growth habit depend on the species, some bottlebrushes are dense and compact, lending themselves to be grown as informal hedges, whereas others are sparse and open and can be pruned into a small tree. What all bottlebrush varieties have in common is their fast growth rate. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil but it is moderately salt-tolerant so it is a good choice for coastal gardens. The evergreen foliage gets easily damaged by frost. Learn More Botanical Name: Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Sotall' Sun Exposure: Full, partial, shade Soil Type: Rich, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic (5.0-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10 Growth Rate: 18 inches per year Cleyera Bigfoot™ is a favorite for hedges and privacy screens due to its fast-growing nature and appealing, glossy evergreen foliage. These upright growers are low-maintenance and provide year-round color. The shrub reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. In hotter climates, they need afternoon shade and tolerate full shade. Botanical Name: Buddleia 'Blue Chip' Lo & Behold® Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Due to its invasiveness, butterfly bushes are no longer recommended. 'Blue Chip' butterfly bush, however, is an exception because it does not produce seeds. The fragrant, star-shaped flower clusters do not require deadheading and provide a pretty counterpoint to dark green leaves. Eight hours of full sun each day ensures more flower production and strong stems that don't require staking. Learn More Botanical Name: Callicarpa americana Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Loamy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year This fast-growing native shrub has year-round appeal. Pale purple or pink flowers burst forth in the summer months, turning into tiny, bright purple berries in fall and winter. The berries attract a wide variety of winter birds and other wildlife to your yard throughout the season. If you're looking to up the berry production, consider planting beautyberry en masse. Full sun will increase flower and berry production. Beautyberry bushes need pruning to maintain their shape and watering during dry periods. Botanical Name: Loropetalum chinense Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (4.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 6-24 inches per year The evergreen shrub features green foliage on arching branches and spidery flowers that appear both at the top of shoots and between the shoot and leaf (known as the leaf axil) in color ranging from off-white to pink. Opt for loropetalum to bring color and texture to your garden early in the spring when other flowering shrubs haven't yet begun their show. Water when there hasn't been adequate rainfall to keep the soil slightly moist, but don't overwater because they don't like wet roots. Learn More Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Cherry laurel is a popular shrub in the South, oftentimes used for hedges. While it grows up to 20 feet tall, it can be maintained in a smaller size if needed. Spiky, white flowers appear in mid-spring but are sometimes be hidden behind the glossy and elongated foliage. Black berries appear in the fall for an interesting encore. Cherry laurel isn't super picky and will tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils, salt, as well as heavy pruning. It is toxic to humans. Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.5-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year Common lilac will start off as a fast grower, tapering off as it nears maturity. You might catch a whiff of lilac before you catch sight of its fragrant, lilac blooms that appear in April and May. While it's always tempting to try lilac in warmer climates, lilac is not suited for the hot and humid conditions of the lower South; these shrubs prefer cooler summer temperatures. Full sun is best for good flower production, and well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Botanical Name: Cornus sericea Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Clay, rich, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Ideal for the Upper South, this native dogwood shrub is the outlier in a family of otherwise slower-growing species. It's a great choice both for its resiliency and versatility whether as a true shrub or hedge. Once mature, it will reach a height of 7 to 9 feet and 10 feet wide. Red twig dogwood likes consistently moist areas so it should be watered during dry spells. Botanical Name: Thuja 'Green Giant' Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Clay, loamy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year These shrubs live up to their name, maturing at up to 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide. They are low maintenance due to a uniform, pyramid-shaped growth habit and need little pruning. 'Green Giant' can be shaped into a hedging or privacy screen when young. Glossy, scale-like needles remain green all winter long. Plant in a location with good drainage that gets six to eight hours of sun. Botanical Name: Spirea spp. Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Spirea is easy to grow because it adapts to many different soil types, doesn't require special care, and grows quickly. Give the shrub full sun, though it will also grow in some shade, and don't let the soil get soggy. Pink or white flowers emerge from blue-green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in the fall. Prune after the spring bloom and enjoy a rebloom later in the summer. Read the original article on Southern Living
