2-1-1: PASS IT ON!
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 June 21 is the longest day of the year. What will you do to make the most of this special day? With all those hours of daylight the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties would like you to spread the word about a valuable service in our community called 211.
Lots of people in our community need essential services or want to help others, but they don't know where to turn.
211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. Do you know someone that needs access to services? Do you know someone who wants to volunteer? Help spread the word and let your friends and colleagues know about this vital service. Making 211 part of our community's conversation will help ensure its use and long term success. To help ensure that 211 continues to be excellent, everywhere and always, sign the petition to ask Congress to enact the Calling for 211 Act (S.211/H.R.211) this year.  |
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2-1-1: We connect you to local services in our community
In 1977, The United Way of Volusia responded to a recommendation from the Volusia Council of Governments that a single community service entry point needed to be created to increase public awareness and enhance access to services when in need. Since then United Way's information and referral (I&R) service has worked to effectively serve the community and position itself as a standards driven, quality based program.
- Originally called "Citizens' Information and Referral Service"
- Renamed First Call For Help in 1994.
- Became the community's certified 211 provider in 2007.
- Online at www.211live.org
2-1-1: We help you find help
Like 911, which allows anyone in need of emergency assistance to quickly access the appropriate service, "211" is the single number to call whenever anyone has an issue or situation that is beyond their ability to deal with alone. "211" providers identify and prioritize callers' needs and then search internally maintained database catalogues of community services for those that are available and appropriate in each case. The benefits include improved access to services by those in need, greater efficiency of the overall delivery system and increased awareness of community programs. Providers also identify and track unmet needs, allowing community planners and funders to better identify opportunities to improve the community by making a positive impact on gaps in services and underserved needs.
- Access free information on over 1200 service agencies and programs.
- In 2007 over 15,000 used this confidential service.
- This year more than 20,000 people in our community will call, 24/7.
- 211Live.org has already had over 130,000 hit in 2008 alone!
2-1-1: We help you to help after disasters
In many areas, the positive impact of a community's local 211 provider has been amplified by the needs after a disaster when information is vital and extremely dynamic. 211 providers become a beacon in a sea of published numbers in the media and can orchestrate connectivity between those in need and services, service providers in forming partnerships and collaborative efforts like long term recovery initiatives, and in getting volunteers to where their skills can be best utilized.
- Call volume in the wake of local tornadoes last year tripled for weeks after as residents looked for assistance.
- Volunteers used 211 to connect to relief efforts and put their energy to work in recognized impacted areas.
- 211 can focus your time and donations on general areas of need, or specific programs that can turn these resources into direct assistance to those in need.
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Calling for 2-1-1!
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Ask Congress to enact the Calling for 2-1-1 Act
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Tell Five Friends
about 2-1-1
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Help spread the word about 2-1-1. Tell your friends and family.
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Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after-school programs, family resource centers, summer camps, recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, literacy programs, protective services
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Financial Stability: EITC, WIC, credit counseling, food stamps, rent and utility assistance, unemployment benefits, job training, education programs
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Physical and Mental Health Resources: crisis intervention, prenatal care, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, children's health insurance programs
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Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, homemaker services
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Basic Human Needs Resource: food, clothing, shelter, temporary financial assistance, transportation, disaster
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2-1-1 systems are banding together to create a nationwide network of providers, so that it is 'excellent and everywhere' when needed.
Right now, 76% of Americans have access to 2-1-1.
Last year 9.6 Millions 2-1-1 calls were answered.
See the national status at www.211.org
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