2-1-1 Helps Needy This Holiday Season

2-1-1 Referral Help Line Serves All Counties In Middle Tennessee

WSMV-TV Thurs., Oct . 22, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Residents needing assistance with Christmas gifts are urged to call 2-1-1 to find out which agencies they may apply to.

2-1-1 is a community services referral help line that serves all counties in middle Tennessee. An operator will take the person's information, including what's needed and where the individual lives. The caller will then be matched to a program in his or her area.

The deadline to apply for help is Oct. 30.

"The agencies that provide this service need some lead time to get ready and prepare gifts and do all the things they need to go to make it a good experience," said Phil Orr, United Way.

Agencies providing help with holiday gifts are encouraged to get listed in the 2-1-1 database to ensure that operators can make referrals to their organization. Call 2-1-1 to submit information.

Due to the recession, nonprofits are expecting to see more requests for help than last year. New numbers show 25 percent more people are getting food stamps this year, compared to the same time last year.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33420612/#storyContinued

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2-1-1 Kansas Sees Rapid Increase in Callers

November 9, 2009

United Way sees rapid increase in 211 callers

By Syed Shabbir

Topeka — The United Way's 211 help line has seen a rapid increase in callers compared to this time last year, and officials says the struggling economy is to blame.

In the last nine months, 211 has had nearly 20,000 calls from all across the state. In the same time period of 2008, 211 had just over 12,000 calls. In Shawnee County the numbers have nearly doubled, from 480 calls last year to over 900 calls this year.

United Way sees rapid increase in 211 callers

The United Way's 211 help line has seen a dramatic increase in call volume since this time last year.

United Way of Topeka's President Miriam Krehbiel says when people are in a crisis, the last thing they want to do is try and figure out which one of the thousands of organizations can best help their situation.

"211 is kind of this one stop phone call," Krehbiel said. "I don't need to look through a phone book to try and figure out which organization can help me. I have one number that I can call that will say here's all of the things you may need."

The United Way says the sudden increase in calls is a direct result of the struggling economy.

"There's more people turning to our services and more people in need," United Way of Topeka's Director of Communications Jamie Hornbacker said.

Another reason for the increase in calls is more people are aware of 211 and making use of its services.

Andrea Austin is a single mother of two, and Last September she broke her shoulder and was unable to work for a month. Bills started piling up, so she called 211 who put her in touch with the organization Doorstep.

"They were able to help me pay a full month's mortgage," Austin said."

United Way officials say they take pride in the help 211 has provided all across the state.

"I'm truly honored to be associated with 211 with all of the United Ways not just here in Kansas but across the nation," Krehbeil said. "This is something that is really making a difference in people's lives."

Krehbiel is still pushing to raise awareness, hoping one day 211 will be as familiar as 911.

Click here for more information on 211.

Original story from 49 News KTKA

2-1-1 Disaster Response and CAIRS

2-1-1 Disaster Response and CAIRS
(California Alliance of Information and Referral Services)

In October 2007, 20 wildfires raged across Southern California, forcing the evacuation of over 500,000 people and resulting in the loss of at least 1,500 homes. Fires burned for 19 days, creating simultaneous challenges of evacuation, response, and early recovery. All six impacted counties had active 2-1-1 service at the time of the fires, responding together to answer nearly 130,000 calls in five days. On the peak day, Southern California 2-1-1s answered over 41,000 calls, representing 764% of baseline.

The Trial by Fire Trial By Fire: How 2-1-1’s Regional Response to the 2007 Southern California Wildfires Underscored the Need for a Statewide Network report recounts the role 2-1-1s played in responding to the fires, supporting first responders, and getting accurate information to the public. The report opens with a letter from Sara Matta, national leader in building 2-1-1 as a partner in disasters, sharing the story of her personal experiences during the wildfires. Throughout, the report reinforces the need for an integrated, statewide network of 2-1-1 centers capable of providing uninterrupted, high quality services during a disaster anywhere in the state.

California Alliance of Information and Referral Services (CAIRS) is an affiliate of The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS)

2-1-1 Mississippi

As of June 1, 2009, 2-1-1 Mississippi has taken over 100,000 calls, since our kickoff on July 7, 2006.

Our statewide database has over 22,100 resources, we have made over 80,000 referrals. We also have the capabilities to translate over 150 languages.

Together, we do what matters!

2-1-1 Los Angeles on CNN

CNN and 2-1-1 Los Angeles

211 LA County is dedicated to providing an easy-to-use, caring, professional source of guidance, advocacy, and 24 hours 7 days per week access to a comprehensive range of human services to the people of Los Angeles County.
Watch the news clip > CNN - 211 Los Angeles