898-BEEF is new anti-gang number to call

Feb. 11 (2/11) is known across the country as 2-1-1 Day. Like 9-1-1, the emergency telephone number for life threatening crises, 2-1-1 is the number to call for help with human services such as food, clothing, shelter and more.

2-1-1 Racine is using the date to announce the launch of a new service: 898-BEEF (262-898-2333). The new telephone line will coordinate gang prevention and intervention efforts within the Racine Unified School District. The use of the term “BEEF” is to capitalize on the current vogue in hip-hop culture where parties in a dispute are referred to as having a “beef.”


The initiative is underwritten by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The new line is staffed by an operator on duty primarily during school hours. However, the line will be answered by 2-1-1 Racine operators when the 898-BEEF operator is not on duty.

Operators will have the ability to dispatch Gang/Crime Diversion Task Force and SAFE Streets personnel to address potentially unsafe situations. These personnel have training and experience specific to street issues and are already employed by SAFE Haven, which operates 2-1-1 Racine.

The line is expected to be used by students who feel threatened by gang-related or other potential criminal activity. Youth who fear physical aggression at or near school can call to request an escort. Gang/Crime and SAFE Streets personnel carry mobile phones.

Crisis situations that require intervention by law enforcement will be coordinated by a three-way call among the caller, 2-1-1 and 9-1-1.

SAFE Haven plans to ramp up promotion of the service through the spring with an intensive effort during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Department of Justice funding is also supporting other efforts, such as arranging for the release of runaway reports to SAFE Haven personnel who could assist in locating missing youth, and for sharing gang intelligence data.

The 898-BEEF line is using the same telephone hardware and software that supports the 2-1-1 Racine program. However, callers will be automatically routed to the specialized operator.

In January, 2-1-1 Racine operators responded to 1,999 calls. On Jan. 7, SAFE Haven staff responded to over 180 calls. In January, most calls were related to mental health issues, followed by financial issues. Abuse, health, disabilities and aging issues come next.

SAFE Haven is holding a special promotion on Monday, Feb. 11: the 211th caller will win a prize package including a SAFE Haven coffee mug, umbrella, flashlight and other items.

2-1-1 Racine is a collaborative effort of the Racine County Human Services Department, SAFE Haven and the United Way of Racine County. 2-1-1 Racine is just one of five programs operated by SAFE Haven of Racine, which also operates the Gang/Crime Diversion Task Force, the SAFE Passage transitional living facility for homeless young adults, the SAFE Streets street outreach program and the Youth Shelter for homeless and abused children.