Residents and Service Providers Can Now Access Pertinent Information and Stay Informed

We are excited to announce the launch of our new website, 211oc.org! Both residents and service providers now have instant access to 2-1-1 news and updates, information on how to get involved, and much more. Working with web developer White Ink Studio we’ve created a website that is interactive and easy to navigate.

Helpful New Features

Disaster Services: Information and resources on disaster preparedness.
Service Providers: Easy to use online form for service providers to submit contact information for our database.
Get Help: Insight on how 2-1-1 OC connects you to the services you need.
Special Offerings: Information on QuickLink, our current and comprehensive database subscription services.

“Our updated website gives us a fresh look,” says Board member and Website Committee Chair Todd Cooley, “and allows visitors to learn more about our role in the community. You can easily direct your neighbor or colleague to the website, which ultimately drives calls to our center. The more familiar a resident is with what 2-1-1 OC does, the more likely they are to call for help. We believe strengthening our web presence will help connect more people to our services.”

When residents are familiar with the services provided by 2-1-1, the county functions smoother:

• Those in need are directed quickly to appropriate service and programs.

• Service providers increase outreach to the populations they serve.

• Social service inquiries directed to 2-1-1 instead of 9-1-1, thus allowing police and fire departments to focus on emergencies. This includes information on shelter, food, road closures and more.

Service Providers Discuss the “New Normal” at Town Hall Meeting on the Safety Net

The "How Safe is OC's Safety Net?" Town Hall in April brought together service providers, county agencies, university representatives and foundations to discuss the changing landscape of service provision in the wake of the economic crisis. The event was sponsored by 2-1-1 OC and California State University Fullerton and with the support of a grant from the CSU Center for Community Engagement.

Karen Roper, County of Orange Director of Community Services, facilitated the discussion on the new realities faced by our communities. Attendees and panelists offered candid feedback on how the people they serve have been affected, what needs are not being met, and the strategies that service providers have had to implement to address the gaps. Panelists stated that a 3-5 year economic recovery period is estimated for employment in Orange County.

Discussion groups explored issues related to homelessness, hunger, health, and employment. Participants:

• Agreed that the need for enhanced crisis or safety net services will continue for some time. A 3-5 year economic recovery period is estimated for employment in Orange County.
   
• Supported Rapid Re-housing, a strategy that bypasses the shelter system and brings supportive services to people in their homes.
   
• Discussed the growing need for mental health counseling. One participant expressed that there is a need to deal with "grief for loss of lifestyle." Another echoed this sentiment by saying that we need to prepare for a "lower standard of living."

The next Town Hall is scheduled for fall 2010.

Disaster Preparedness is a Critical Service of 2-1-1 OC

When a disaster strikes, 2-1-1 plays a critical role in the county’s disaster plan, assisting callers with up-to-the-minute information about the county's emergency response. But even without a disaster, we spend a lot of our time on disaster preparedness, preparing and practicing for a potential emergency to hit the county.

"We know that there's going to be an earthquake, and we know it's going to be a major natural disaster," said Lou Paulson, president of the California Professional Firefighters and a captain in the Contra Costa County fire protection district to the New York Times. "And I don't want to be one of the people who stands in front of the state of California and says, ‘We told you so.'"

Small earthquakes roll through California regularly. The constant reminder "Be prepared! Store water!"delivered since grade school has made residents numb. But April's 7.2 magnitude quake in Mexico shook residents out of their complacency and into a search for their emergency kits.

When disaster occurs, call 2-1-1 for up-to-date information on:

Three Easy Ways You Can Prepare Now

1. Educate Yourself and Your Family
Click here to see free resources and tools to help prepare your family for disaster.

2. Join Our Disaster Response Team!
Volunteer to be part of our 2-1-1 Disaster Response Team.

3. Make a Donation
Your donation directly impacts our efforts to keep residents safe.