by Ken Kraudy
2-1-1 Outreach and Disaster Coordinator
Happy National 2-1-1 Day!
When individuals and families are in crisis mode and face a variety of personal disasters, like facing eviction from their home, having their utilities turned off, needing food or shelter, or just getting transportation to a new job, 2-1-1 is the number to call!
2-1-1 is the three-digit telephone number, designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000, to provide widespread public access to community information and referral services. In Utah last year, 95,645 calls for help were made to 2-1-1 call centers within the state. People called to find resources for meeting basic needs, but they also called for everyday information, like finding out where to take their child for developmental screening, how to locate job training, where find free tax filing support, or learn how to sign up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
February 11th (2/11) is National 2-1-1 Day across the nation, in recognition of the free, user-friendly phone number that serves America’s population and connects some 16 million people a year to critical resources, information, and services. Today, 2-1-1 serves more than 90 percent of America’s population in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. During recent disasters, 2-1-1 has also been utilized by those affected and who are searching out water, food, shelter, and disaster aid.
So, what can YOU do in recognition of 2-1-1 Day? Simple. Spread the word about 2-1-1 and how it can be such a helpful resource. Let others know that they can either call the 3-digit number or go to www.211ut.org to find the resources they need for managing their personal disasters. It’s easy and simple, and yet so many people still do not know about 2-1-1. Thanks for your help to get the word out!
WHO YA GONNA’ CALL? United Way 2-1-1!
Click the video below to find out more about the services 2-1-1 provides!
