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 2-1-1 is the abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. United Way of America has been working in partnership with the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) since the late 1990s to advance the nationwide rollout of 2-1-1.
Why Is 2-1-1 So Important?
Every hour of every day, hundreds of people in the Hudson Valley and thousands of people in the United States need essential human care services -- from substance abuse assistance to adequate care for a child or an aging parent. Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of agencies and help lines, people often don't know where to turn. In many cases, people are simply unaware of the options available to them. They therefore end up going without necessary and readily available services because they do not know where to start. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people to more successfully navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. By making services easier to access, 2-1-1 helps people to get assistance when a problem first develops - rather than allowing a problem to grow.
2-1-1 provides callers with information about, and referrals to, health and human services for every day needs, and in times of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to a range of services that address various types of needs:
- Basic Human Needs: food, clothing, shelter, rent assistance, utility assistance, and financial assistance.
- Physical and Mental Health Challenges: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
- Employment Issues: job training, job placement, transportation assistance, education opportunities.
- Challenges Facing Older Adults and People with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
- Needs of Children, Youth and Families: child care, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services, legal services, counseling.
- Desire to Help: volunteer opportunities and ways to donate. What Are The Unique Benefits of 2-1-1 For The Callers?
- One call gives the caller access to resources across the community. 2-1-1 is efficient, fast and easy to use.
- No more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).
- 2-1-1 is a confidential call; most often the name of the caller is not even recorded.
- 24-hour/7-day-a-week availability in most regions; 2-1-1 is always there for those needing help.
How Does 2-1-1 Benefit The Community?
- 2-1-1 strengthens the community by connecting the people who want to help with those who need help.
- There are more than one million non-profit organizations in the United States, more than 3,000 in the Hudson Valley, plus scores of government agencies. People looking for assistance often have trouble navigating a complicated web of health and human service programs. Likewise, people who want to help often do not know where to begin.
- 2-1-1 is a useful planning tool. Based on aggregate data about the types of calls that 2-1-1 receives, communities are in a better position to anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to meet changing needs.
- 2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system, saving that vital community resource for life-threatening emergencies.
What Role Can 2-1-1 Play In A Time of Crisis?
- 2-1-1 is a critical information system, which is necessary prior to, during and after a community crisis such as a flood, fire, or other local or national tragedy. Prior to a community crisis, it is critical that an information system is in place that will be able to respond to the crisis at a moment's notice.
- 2-1-1 responds immediately during times of crisis to field calls regarding the crisis, and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.
- 2-1-1 is much more than a short-term crisis system. It maintains a permanent presence in the community. As a result, people can find the help they need, whether their needs arise a week after the crisis or several years later.
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