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Information and Assistance — 211 Phone Referral
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
Every
hour of every day, someone in the United States needs an essential
service.
Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of agencies and helplines, people,
often seniors, don’t know where to turn to when the need arises.
In many cases, people end up going without these necessary services because they
don’t know how to communicate in such a big area. That’s where 211
comes in; it helps you find help to your problem with ease.
211 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that is available in approximately
80 percent of California. 211 connects people with important community services
and volunteer opportunities. The greater Sacramento area is part of the 211 system.
Nationally, 211 serves approximately 172 million Americans. 211 systems cover
all or part of 39 states. The California Alliance of Information and Referral
Services and United Ways of California are working together to bring 211 to all
of California.
211 simplifies access and increases the effectiveness of the entire health and
human services system by making it easier for people to find needed services.
It also saves money with estimated national savings over 10 years estimated at
$90.2 million through elimination of duplicative referral networks.
211 also provides system-wide cost savings through a reduction in 800 numbers
used for nonprofits and state organizations. Most importantly, 211 plays a key
role in public safety. 211 relieves 911 call volume, therefore reducing the response
time to real emergencies.
211 can be used to locate food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance,
utility assistance and much more. Another common use is to connect with physical
and mental health resources. In Sacramento, 211 can be used to locate support
services for older Americans and persons with disabilities.
For further information on 211 and plans for nationwide service, visit the 211
website at www.211.org.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
