Dial 2-1-1

How can you get connected to local resources in times of need?

The Heartland United Way along with AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) and the Central District Health Department has launched 2-1-1 in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. 2-1-1 is an easy number to remember and connects people with community services and volunteer opportunities in their local area.

The 2-1-1 hotline was activated on July 1, 2004.Â While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers iwth information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of cirsis.

2-1-1 can offer access to many services, including but not limited to the following:

Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children's Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitiation
Employment support: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs
Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services

The first 2-1-1 service was launched in metropolitan Atlanta in 1997. As of January 2004, 28% of the United States population had access to 2-1-1 services. On July 21, 2000, the FCC assigned 2-1-1 for community information and referral nationwide, making this scarce resource available for the sole purpose of community information and referral.

The decision was made to provide an area 2-1-1 service when the Little Diana Task Force, which was set up after the tragic death of an area 2-year old, determined there was a need in our area for an information and referral service.Â This service would make a critical connection between individuals and families in need and community based organizations and government agencies.Â Help is now just a phone call away.

2-1-1 is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, withÂ multilingual access. 2-1-1 service is provided to Hall, Howard, Hamilton, and Merrick counties and also on the Internet at www.ne211.org