United Way 2-1-1 Program Aims To Assist Community's Needs
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
In challenging economic times it is difficult for people to know where to turn to put a meal on their table or receive shelter assistance.
A United Way funded program, Indiana 2-1-1, has been established as a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week referral program to help direct people to local existing service agencies in their communities.Services provided through the program include food, counseling, utility assistance, health care, transportation, housing, shelter, legal aid, clothing and education.
People can dial 2-1-1 for free to use the confidential 24-hour information and referral assistance.
The program directs people to already existing programs in their communities.
When people call 2-1-1, a United Way representative will answer the phone and the caller will be asked for the zip code where they reside. There will be operators to assist callers who speak English or Spanish.
Callers are not required to provide their name or address when calling 2-1-1, and only have to give as much information as what they are looking for.
Dave Sisk, St. Joe County United Way 2-1-1 director, said anyone regardless of age or income is qualified to use the free 2-1-1 service.
"For instance, if someone calls and needs assistance with paying their electric bill we will direct them to programs that will meet those needs," Sisk said. "There are so many people that have never had to access social services before, and by dialing 2-1-1 a lot of people may never have known that there is a food pantry in a church near them."
The 2-1-1 program was established in 2004 in Kosciusko County.
From 2004 to 2009, 2-1-1 had a calling center out of Allen County, but there now is a calling center that is in St. Joe County.
In addition to Kosciusko and St. Joe counties the program also serves Elkhart, Fulton, Marshall and Laporte counties.
There are 15 2-1-1 call centers in Indiana and there are also 2-1-1 call centers throughout the United States.
"2-1-1 is a conduit to direct people to a big array of services our county offers whether it's childcare or shelter or other services they need," said Mary Gerard, United Way community impact coordinator.
"We are trying to get the word out that we are here to help and want the system to be utilized," she said.
In the summer, people can dial the number to find out where summer feeding programs are located at schools and parks. They also can learn where backpacks for school supplies are given during back to school time.
People also can call the number to learn where to be directed to learn where local summer camps are located.
