Help Yourself

EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI - Swampscott, MA

2010-01-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

The following resources are available to all Massachusetts residents:

The Swampscott Reporter

Do you need help locating family members in Haiti?

The State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for individuals seeking information about family members living in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747. Press zero (0) to speak to a customer service representative.

You can also visit the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Family Links Web site to accelerate the process of restoring contact between separated family members.

At this stage, the Web site (icrc.org/familylinks) offers the possibility for persons in Haiti and abroad to publish the names of relatives with whom they are striving to restore contact. It will progressively incorporate information offering responses to those queries.

Are you looking for a way to help?

Call the Mass 2-1-1 office for up to date information about the relief efforts and how you can help. Dial 211 from your phone. This service is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. If you are unable to access the 2-1-1 system due to your internal phone system, a toll-free number is available: 1-877-211- MASS (6277).

The immediate need is for money that can be used by an established relief organization to best aid victims of the earthquake. Visit interaction.org to get a list of credible responding organizations for international emergencies.

For article and more resources:
EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI - Swampscott, MA - The Swampscott Reporter

2-1-1 Offers Suicide Counseling - Orlando Business Journal:

2010-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

Heart of Florida United Way’s 2-1-1 service recorded 6,869 calls since it was expanded to include crisis counseling Dec. 26.

Of those calls, 150 were designated as crisis calls and 20 of those 150 calls needed suicide intervention services.

United Way’s expanded its 2-1-1 after being awarded a from the Florida Department of Children and Families. The service will also be available on the state’s Elder Helpline.

The agency’s 2-1-1 service is a free, multilingual, 24-hour resource that helps people find critical assistance with everything from food and rent to elder care and disaster relief.

“Rising unemployment, reduced work hours, foreclosure and other serious problems are taking a terrible financial – and emotional – toll on local families,” Robert H. Brown, United Way president/CEO, said in a prepared statement.

The service responded 119,630 people in need in 2009

2-1-1 offers suicide counseling - Orlando Business Journal:

New Jersey government attempting to coordinate state's response to Haitian relief & NJ 2-1-1

2010-01-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

The fledgling Christie administration is attempting to coordinate New Jersey's response to relief efforts in Haiti, include encouraging donations, providing assistance to the federal government on refugee resettlement and medical assistance, and offering counseling for members of the state's Haitian community.

New Jerseyans may contact NJ 2-1-1 to learn about disaster resources. Resource information is gathered through established networks so that all information provided to callers or web visitors is vetted and reliable. NJ 2-1-1 can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 from any telephone or cell phone.

Growth in calls forces 211 to enlist support

2010-01-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

Growth in calls forces 211 to enlist support and now 211 employees are also directing several calls helping people find loved ones in Haiti.

Search for Missing Loved Ones in Haiti - CNN IReport

2010-01-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

Local Help Line to Shut Down After 40 Years

2009-12-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

Posted on Thu, Dec. 03, 2009

Local help line to shut down after 40 years

By Bob Cuddy

The county’s nonemergency 211 Hotline will close Jan. 1, another victim of reduced funding during the recession.

Tim Williams, board president of the 211 SLO Hotline, passed the word to the organization’s employees Thursday afternoon. “We’re grieving,” he said in an interview.

The hotline has existed for 40 years, and became reachable by dialing 211 a little more than a year ago, when the local group received a permit from the Public Utilities Commission.

It is designed for nonemergency calls, an alternative to 911. “For emergencies, there’s 911; for everything else, there’s 211,” its slogan went.

Some of those calls may now go back to emergency lines operated by police, the county Department of Social Services, hospitals and other care providers, Williams said.

He said the local group has fielded hundreds of thousands of calls in its 40 years, including 27,000 who have called 211 in the past year.

Callers range from those who simply “can’t navigate the system” to distressed people on the verge of suicide. Suicide calls have spiked since the recession took hold, Williams said, reaching 130 per year, and 17 last month.

Williams said volunteers will continue to work the hotline around the clock for the remainder of this year.

He hopes someone can pick up the slack. “We are trying to get crisis calls answered by another agency,” Williams said.

The problem, Williams said, is acquiring sustained funding. He said many local businesses, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., some government agencies, nonprofits, and others have helped, but these are hard times. He noted the irony of having less financial help available just at the moment when it is most needed.

The 211 movement swept the state a few years back, and most counties in Southern California have one activated. Williams said San Luis Obispo County is the first to announce that it is pulling out.

The local 211 SLO Hotline has a budget of $240,000 and four full-time employees, all of whom have now lost their jobs, and a host of volunteers who man phones countywide.

Local help line to shut down after 40 years - Breaking News - SanLuisObispo.com

Calls up 110% Within One Year - KTVN Channel 2 - Reno, Neveda

2009-12-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Calls to Nevada 211 up 110% Within One Year - KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News

Helpful homeless man honored as city names shelter for him - St. Petersburg Times

2009-12-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Helpful homeless man honored as city names shelter for him - St. Petersburg Times

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2-1-1 Helps Needy This Holiday Season

2009-11-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

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

Homeless Shelter Search

2009-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

Listings originate from the:
Homeless Shelter Directory

2-1-1 Kansas Sees Rapid Increase in Callers

2009-11-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2009

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.

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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

2009-11-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

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

Palm Beach County's 211 Homeless Hotline Overwhelmed

2009-10-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Palm Beach County's 211 homeless hotline overwhelmed by families hit by unemployment

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New law launches 2-1-1 hotline - WREX.com Rockford's News Leader

2009-10-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

New law launches 2-1-1 hotline - WREX.com Rockford's News Leader

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Governor Quinn Signs 2-1-1 Service Act at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

2009-10-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Governor Quinn Signs 2-1-1 Service Act at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

CBS

2009-10-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

CBS’ “Good Question” features 2-1-1

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United Way 2-1-1 Line Available 24/7 in Northeast Michigan

2009-10-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

United Way 2-1-1 line available 24/7

United Way's 211 help line is busier than ever | Jacksonville.com

2009-08-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

United Way's 211 help line is busier than ever | Jacksonville.com

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How Does 211 Work?

2009-08-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

S. 211: Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009 (GovTrack.us)

2009-08-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

S. 211: Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009 (GovTrack.us)

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211 National Locator

2009-08-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Locate YOUR local 2-1-1

http://www.211.org/

Text of S.211 as Introduced in Senate

2009-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Text from: OpenCongress.org

S 211 ISComments Close Comments Permalink

111th CONGRESSComments Close Comments Permalink

1st SessionComments Close Comments Permalink

S. 211Comments Close Comments Permalink

To facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services and volunteer services, and for other purposes.Comments Close Comments Permalink

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESComments Close Comments Permalink

January 12, 2009Comments Close Comments Permalink

Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mr. BURR, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. BROWN, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. CASEY, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. KERRY, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. SCHUMER, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. SPECTER, Ms. STABENOW, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsComments Close Comments Permalink

A BILLComments Close Comments Permalink

To facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services and volunteer services, and for other purposes.Comments Close Comments Permalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,Comments Close Comments Permalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009’.Comments Close Comments Permalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) The Federal Communications Commission has assigned 2-1-1 as the national telephone number for telephone service for information and referral on human services, declaring that 2-1-1 best satisfies the public interest in allotting the limited resource of this abbreviated number. The Commission will assess the widespread utilization of the 2-1-1 telephone number and evaluate whether to continue the assignment of that telephone number for that service.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) The number ‘2-1-1’ is an easy-to-remember telephone number that facilitates critical connections between individuals and families seeking services, volunteer opportunities, or both and appropriate human services agencies, including community-based and faith-based organizations and government agencies.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(3) There are approximately 1,500,000 nonprofit organizations in the United States. Individuals and families often find it difficult to navigate through a complex and ever-growing maze of human services agencies and programs, spending inordinate amounts of time trying to identify an agency or program that provides a service that may be immediately or urgently required and often abandoning the search from frustration or a lack of quality information.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(4) At the Federal, State, and local levels, government funding supports well-intentioned programs that are not fully utilized because of a lack of access to and information on such programs by the public. Program administrators have indicated that there is a need for a simple way to connect those eligible for programs with available program resources. 2-1-1 telephone service will reduce the number of inappropriate calls to government offices by directing consumers to the appropriate human services agency, resulting in a more effective use of government services.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(5) A national cost benefit analysis conducted by the University of Texas estimates a net value to society of a national 2-1-1 system approaching $130,000,000 in the first year alone and a conservative estimate of nearly $1,100,000,000 over 10 years.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(6) Many families need information on government and not-for-profit services that provide high quality child care and early childhood education, such as the Federal Head Start program, after school and summer activities for children, job training and assistance, housing and hunger assistance, elder care, help for victims of domestic violence, disaster recovery, and volunteer opportunities.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(7) Individuals often need support, services, or both when suffering emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts or behavior, contemplating violence, or using drugs or alcohol.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(8) Americans desire to volunteer and become involved in their communities. This desire, together with a desire to donate to organizations which provide human services, are among the reasons to contact a center which provides information and referral on volunteer opportunities and human services. A simple call to 2-1-1 will help a citizen find the volunteer opportunity they seek.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(9) Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, an estimated 400 telephone hotlines were established in New York, New York, for various funds and services, creating a confusing network for victims and volunteers to navigate. A Comptroller General report on charitable aid following the terrorist attacks found that ‘families of victims generally believed they had to navigate a maze of service providers in the early months’ and that ‘good information about and easy access to available assistance could help survivors in the recovery process’.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(10) The 107th Congress recognized the importance of 2-1-1 telephone service in community preparedness and response by including use of that telephone number for public information as an allowable use of funds under grants for preparedness and response to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies under section 319C-1 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-3a).Comments Close Comments Permalink

(11) While 69 percent of the population has access to 2-1-1 telephone service from a land line in 41 States, inadequate funding prevents access to that telephone service throughout each of the States. 2-1-1 telephone service is currently available statewide only in 18 States.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(12) Rapid deployment nationwide of 2-1-1 telephone service as a means of access to information about and referral on human services requires collaboration among State governments, comprehensive and specialized information and referral centers, including Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, human services organizations and service providers, emergency management and homeland security officials, telephone companies, and other relevant entities.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(13) 2-1-1 telephone service facilitates the availability of a single repository where comprehensive data on all community services is collected, maintained, and updated regularly, reducing costs and duplication of efforts. The reliable data provided through 2-1-1 telephone service helps to better assess the needs of our communities and to immediately mobilize resources toward those needs.Comments Close Comments Permalink

SEC. 3. GRANTS TO FACILITATE NATIONWIDE AVAILABILITY OF 2-1-1 SERVICE FOR INFORMATION AND REFERRAL ON HUMAN SERVICES.

(a) Grants Required- The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families (referred to in this Act as the ‘Secretary’), shall award a grant to each State to carry out a program for the purpose of making 2-1-1 telephone service available to all residents of the State with phone service for information and referral on human services. The grant, and the service provided through the grant, shall not supplant existing funding streams or services.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(b) Grant To Be Available for Each State- In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall develop a formula for allocating grant amounts among the States so that a grant may be awarded to each State seeking a grant.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) REQUIREMENT- A State may not be awarded a grant under this section unless the State ensures that at least 50 percent of the resources of the program funded by the grant will be derived from other sources.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS- The requirement in paragraph (1) may be satisfied by in-kind contributions of goods or services.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(d) Lead Entity-Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) IN GENERAL- A State seeking a grant under this section shall carry out this section through a lead entity (also known as a ‘2-1-1 Collaborative’) meeting the requirements of this subsection.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) 2-1-1 COLLABORATIVE- An entity shall be treated as the 2-1-1 Collaborative for a State under this subsection if the entity--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) exists for such purpose under State law;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(B) exists for such purpose by order of the State public utility commission; orComments Close Comments Permalink

(C) is a collaborative entity established by the State for such purpose from among representatives of--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(i) an informal existing 2-1-1 statewide collaborative, if any, in the State;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(ii) State agencies;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(iii) community-based organizations;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(iv) faith-based organizations;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(v) not-for-profit organizations;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(vi) comprehensive and specialized information and referral providers, including current 2-1-1 call centers;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(vii) foundations; andComments Close Comments Permalink

(viii) businesses.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(3) REQUIREMENTS FOR PREEXISTING LEAD ENTITIES- An entity described by subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) may be treated as a lead entity under this subsection only if such entity collaborates, to the extent practicable, with the organizations and entities listed in subparagraph (C) of that paragraph.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(e) Application-Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) IN GENERAL- The lead entity on behalf of each State seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form as the Secretary shall require.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) INFORMATION- An application on behalf of a State under this subsection shall contain information as follows:Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) Information, on the program to be carried out by the lead entity of the State so that every resident of the State with phone service may dial the 2-1-1 telephone service at no charge to the caller, describing how the lead entity plans to make available throughout the State 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services, including information on the manner in which the lead entity will develop, sustain, and evaluate the program.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(B) Information on the sources of resources for the program for purposes of meeting the requirement in subsection (c).Comments Close Comments Permalink

(C) Information describing how the entity shall provide, to the extent practicable, a statewide database available to all residents of the State as well as all human services programs, through the Internet, that will allow them to search for programs or services that are available according to the data gathered by the human services programs in the State.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(D) Any additional information that the Secretary may require for purposes of this section.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(f) Subgrants-Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) AUTHORITY- In carrying out a program to make 2-1-1 telephone service available throughout a State at no charge to the caller, the lead entity of the State may make subgrants to such persons or entities as the lead entity considers appropriate for purposes of the program, including subgrants to provide funds--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) for the provision of 2-1-1 telephone service;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(B) for the operation and maintenance of 2-1-1 call centers; andComments Close Comments Permalink

(2) CONSIDERATIONS- In awarding a subgrant under this subsection, a lead entity shall consider--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) the ability of the person or entity seeking the subgrant to carry out activities or provide services consistent with the program;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(B) the extent to which the award of the subgrant will facilitate equitable geographic distribution of subgrants under this section to ensure that rural communities have access to 2-1-1 telephone service; andComments Close Comments Permalink

(C) the extent to which the recipient of the subgrant will establish and maintain cooperative relationships with specialized information and referral centers, including Child Care Resource Referral Agencies, crisis centers, 9-1-1 call centers, and 3-1-1 call centers, if applicable.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(g) Use of Grant and Subgrant Amounts-Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) IN GENERAL- Amounts awarded as grants or subgrants under this section shall be used solely to make available 2-1-1 telephone service to all residents of a State with phone access, for community information and referral on human services, including telephone connections between families and individuals seeking such services and the providers of such services.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) PARTICULAR MATTERS- In making 2-1-1 telephone service available, the recipient of a grant or subgrant shall, to the maximum extent practicable--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) abide by the Key Standards for 2-1-1 Centers as specified in the Standards for Professional Information and Referral Requirements for Alliance of Information Referral Systems (AIRS) Accreditation and Operating 2-1-1 Systems; andComments Close Comments Permalink

(B) collaborate with human services organizations, whether public or private, to provide an exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral to individuals utilizing 2-1-1 telephone service.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(3) USE OF FUNDS- Amounts of a subgrant under subsection (f) may be used by subgrant recipients for statewide and regional planning, start-up costs (including costs of software and hardware upgrades and telecommunications costs), training, accreditation, public awareness, evaluation of activities, Internet hosting and site development and maintenance for a statewide database, database integration projects that incorporate data from different 2-1-1 programs into a single statewide database, and the provision of 2-1-1 telephone service.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(h) Requirement on Allocation of Grant Amounts- Of the amounts awarded under this section, an aggregate of not more than 15 percent shall be allocated for evaluation, training, and technical assistance, and for management and administration of subgrants awarded under this section.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(i) Reports- The lead entity of each State awarded a grant under this section for a fiscal year shall submit to the Secretary, not later than 60 days after the end of such fiscal year, a report on the program funded by the grant. Each report shall--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) describe the program funded by the grant;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) assess the effectiveness of the program in making available, to all residents of the State with phone service, 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services in accordance with the provisions of this section; andComments Close Comments Permalink

(3) assess the effectiveness of collaboration with human services resource and referral entitles and service providers.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(j) Definitions- In this section:Comments Close Comments Permalink

(1) HUMAN SERVICES- The term ‘human services’ means services as follows:Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) Services that assist individuals in becoming more self-sufficient, in preventing dependency, and in strengthening family relationships.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(B) Services that support personal and social development.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(C) Services that help ensure the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(2) INFORMATION AND REFERRAL CENTER- The term ‘information and referral center’ means a center that--Comments Close Comments Permalink

(A) maintains a database of providers of human services in a State or locality;Comments Close Comments Permalink

(B) assists individuals, families, and communities in identifying, understanding, and accessing the providers of human services and the human services offered by the providers of such services; andComments Close Comments Permalink

(3) STATE- The term ‘State’ means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.Comments Close Comments Permalink

SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) In General- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, $150,000,000, and for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015, $100,000,000.Comments Close Comments Permalink

(b) Availability- Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.

Visit: OpenCongress.org

USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal

2009-07-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal

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Safeguard Our Seniors Task Force - Florida

2009-07-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Every day, hundreds of Floridians fall victim to financial fraud. Many of these victims are trusting seniors who were misled into making risky or inappropriate financial investments by unscrupulous agents and scam artists, including annuities and reverse mortgages. In response, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink created the Safeguard our Seniors (SOS) Task Force to develop solutions to better protect Florida seniors from falling victim to financial fraud.

Visit: Safeguard our Seniors Task Force

LawHelp.org

2009-07-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Helping people find solutions to their legal problems.

LawHelp.org helps low and moderate income people find free legal aid programs in their communities, and answers to questions about their legal rights.

TogetherForRecovery.org

2009-07-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

TogetherForRecovery.org

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The U.S. Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) offers Together For Recovery – an initiative that features business offerings available to help cushion the recession and accelerate the recovery for individuals and communities.

This portal is a one-stop shop of business resources for the millions of individuals and thousands of small businesses impacted by the recession.

Help Yourself

EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI - Swampscott, MA

2-1-1 Offers Suicide Counseling - Orlando Business Journal:

New Jersey government attempting to coordinate state's response to Haitian relief & NJ 2-1-1

Growth in calls forces 211 to enlist support

Search for Missing Loved Ones in Haiti - CNN IReport

Local Help Line to Shut Down After 40 Years

Local help line to shut down after 40 years

By Bob Cuddy

Calls up 110% Within One Year - KTVN Channel 2 - Reno, Neveda

Helpful homeless man honored as city names shelter for him - St. Petersburg Times

2-1-1 Helps Needy This Holiday Season

Homeless Shelter Search

2-1-1 Kansas Sees Rapid Increase in Callers

United Way sees rapid increase in 211 callers

United Way sees rapid increase in 211 callers

2-1-1 Disaster Response and CAIRS

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

2-1-1 Mississippi

2-1-1 Los Angeles on CNN

Palm Beach County's 211 Homeless Hotline Overwhelmed

New law launches 2-1-1 hotline - WREX.com Rockford's News Leader

Governor Quinn Signs 2-1-1 Service Act at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

CBS

United Way 2-1-1 Line Available 24/7 in Northeast Michigan

United Way's 211 help line is busier than ever | Jacksonville.com

How Does 211 Work?

S. 211: Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009 (GovTrack.us)

211 National Locator

Text of S.211 as Introduced in Senate

January 12, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

SEC. 3. GRANTS TO FACILITATE NATIONWIDE AVAILABILITY OF 2-1-1 SERVICE FOR INFORMATION AND REFERRAL ON HUMAN SERVICES.

SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal

Safeguard Our Seniors Task Force - Florida

LawHelp.org

TogetherForRecovery.org

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

January 12, 2009Comments Close Comments Permalink