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NEWS & UPDATES
FEBRUARY 2026
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211: A Lifeline for Manitowoc County
and How You Can Help
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Every day, individuals and families across Manitowoc County face challenges that can feel overwhelming - food shortages, rising housing costs, mental health struggles, and financial emergencies. But in moments of uncertainty, there's a simple place to turn for help: 211.
United Way Manitowoc County is proud to support this free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects people to hundreds of local resources. Whether someone is searching for shelter, food assistance, transportation, crisis support, or mental health services, 211 guides people toward stability and hope. Learn more about 211 here.
This month, in addition to celebrating National 211 Day (2/11) we launched a special social media awareness campaign highlighting the power of 211.
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A Growing Need
Over the past year, calls to 211 related to housing, mental health, and basic needs have surged. Rising living costs and ongoing community challenges mean more residents are turning to 211 for guidance and support. But this vital lifeline is only possible through the generosity of our community.
What Does Your Gift Do?
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$10 connects a caller to urgent local resources
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$25 supports follow-up calls for people in crisis
- $50 helps keep 211 available 24/7 for our entire county
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How to Help
Your tax deductible gift to sustain and strengthen the 211 Helpline can be made online here through the end of February.
Because of your support, more people in Manitowoc County will know that help is just three digits away. Together, we're making sure that no one has to face hardship alone.
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Wisconsin 211 Advocates Gather at
the State Capitol on National 211 Day
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On National 211 Day this month (2/11), Wisconsin 211 advocates gathered at the state capitol in Madison for the first ever 211 Advocacy Day to urge lawmakers to increase state funding for the service to $1 million in the next budget.
Advocates included representatives from United Way of Wisconsin, 211 Wisconsin Call Centers, and local United Way organizations.
Representatives spent the afternoon meeting with legislators, sharing stories from their communities, and emphasizing the need to sustain strong support for 211 as demand for services continues to grow.
| | Ben Peters, Director of Impact Strategies, United Way Manitowoc County | | Left to right: Ben Peters, Director of Impact Strategies, United Way Manitowoc County; Wisconsin State Representative Paul Tittl | | Left to right: Ben Peters, Director of Impact Strategies, United Way Manitowoc County; Kate Baer, Executive Director, United Way Sheboygan County; Amanda Flannery, Director of Resource Development, United Way of Marathon County; Charlene Mouille, President & CEO, United Way of Wisconsin; Sara Bowsher, Member Services Manager, United Way of Wisconsin | |
Navigating Housing Services
A Breaking Barriers Panel
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Are you a direct service provider or public servant?
Join Healthiest Manitowoc County's Access Navigation team for an interactive discussion on the housing system featuring panelists representing both lived experience and professional expertise. Explore how health, justice, and social systems impact housing insecurity.
This free event takes place Wednesday, February 25, 9:00am-Noon at the UWGB Manitowoc Campus, 705 Viebahn St., Manitowoc.
Panelists include Sarah R. Richmond, Alex Hunt, Kenneth G. Walters, Itzchel Garza, and Jason Prigge.
Questions? Email healthiestmc@gmail.com.
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United Way a Collection Site for the
Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive
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The Family Radio Network's 34th annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive kicked off February 22 and runs through March 15, collecting personal hygiene and cleaning products for more than 130 homeless and crisis agencies across Wisconsin.
United Way Manitowoc County is hosting a collection box at our office at 33 E. Waldo Blvd., Manitowoc. Supplies can be dropped off Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm.
The drive focuses on hygiene and cleaning items which are not covered by Wisconsin FoodShare (SNAP). All donated items remain in the local communities where they are collected, with the goal of providing each participating agency with up to a year's supply of essential products.
View or download a list of most needed items.
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Ticket Sales to Open
March 2 for the 2026 Volunteer Impact Awards
United Way's Volunteer Center is set to host the Second Annual Volunteer Impact Awards on Thursday, April 16, 2026. This event celebrates the dedication and impact of volunteers who make a difference in Manitowoc County.
Ticket sales for this event go on sale March 2. Individual tickets are $25 apiece with the option to reserve a table of eight for $180 (10% discount).
The event takes place at The Inn on Maritime Bay with breakfast catered by Our Legacy Restaurant beginning at 8:15am followed by the presentation and awards ceremony at 9:00am.
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Talk United
Talk United is a weekly, 5-minute program with WOMT Radio that airs every Tuesday morning at approximately 11:20am.
Talk United is sponsored by Rob's Family Market and Nelson Truck & Equipment.
Listen to episodes here!
| | | | Hello Lakeshore with United Way | |
The Hello Lakeshore Podcast with United Way is hosted by Craig Dillon of WCUB Radio and Ben Peters of United Way Manitowoc County. Each week Craig and Ben chat with a different nonprofit in Manitowoc County.
Podcasts air every Friday and can be found here or on Apple Podcasts.
Are you a nonprofit that would like to be featured on the program? Call United Way at 920.682.8888.
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UNITED WAY MANITOWOC COUNTY
unitedwaymanitowoccounty.org
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