DHS Cuts Funding For 211 Helpline

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services says it has cut funding for the 211 Helpline program effective immediately.

The Community Service Council says DHS blamed the decision on cuts in state funding to the Department. The Council said the cut results in a loss of just over $300,000 based on 2015-16 funding.

The Council said 211 Helpline continues to operate and serve its 37 county area in spite of the cut. The cut is about 30% of the program's total budget.

The Council said it will be asking its local partners for help to keep operating its programs in the coming months.

The helpline serves more than 140,000 households in eastern Oklahoma, many for whom are experiencing a crisis with basic needs such as housing, healthcare or food insecurity, the Council says.

The service maintains a database of more than 6,000 state and local community resources used not only by 211 but also by hundreds of service providers throughout the service area.