Bridging the Gap to Essential Services
When someone needs help – whether it’s finding food assistance, housing, or mental health services – knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Many people turn to friends or family for suggestions or spend hours calling different agencies, only to be redirected repeatedly. While 2-1-1 has long provided a confidential, nationwide connection to local resources, it is underutilized in St. Clair County.
Recognizing this gap, the CSCB Steering Committee established the Resource Navigation Ad-Hoc Committee to strengthen how residents access accurate, up-to-date information and ensure “warm handoffs” between providers. The committee’s goal is simple yet powerful: to create a clear, user-friendly referral system that connects people to the proper support – the first time.
Since its launch in February 2025, the group has partnered closely with 2-1-1 of Southeast Michigan to review and enhance local listings within the statewide database. Each meeting focuses on a specific area of need, such as housing, transportation, food, or household goods, with members providing direct feedback on accessibility, service descriptions, and coverage gaps. The 2-1-1 team then returns to each session with updates, ensuring continuous improvement and accuracy.
Next steps include hosting outreach sessions where agencies can meet directly with 2-1-1 representatives to verify and update their listings. Once the data refresh is complete, the committee, in partnership with 2-1-1 and the CSCB, will launch a community-wide campaign to raise awareness of 2-1-1 as St. Clair County’s go-to resource navigation tool, helping individuals and families find the support they need quickly, confidently, and close to home.
Chairperson: Kristen Thompson