Spearheaded by United Ways, the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and information and referral providers across the country, 2-1-1 is now available to approximately 75 percent of the U.S. population, with more communities coming on board each month.
As 2-1-1 becomes available to more Americans, communities across the country are realizing that 2-1-1 provides much more than instant connectivity to trained specialists who can direct you to local services. In the hands of innovative citizens, 2-1-1 is an essential community tool that connects those wishing to give help with those who need it; acts as the community information center during times of disaster; and enhances the efficiency of our human services system many find hard to navigate. Are you experiencing a financial crisis? 2-1-1 knows which programs are available in your community. Simply put, communities with 2-1-1 service have in their hands a resource that can be adapted to advance the common good by connecting citizens, services and community leaders in pursuit of improved lives.
Time after time, 2-1-1 has come to the rescue during such disasters as the 2007 South California wildfires, hurricanes Katrina and Rita and many other local challenges.
People across the country who have found jobs, obtained critical financial assistance or been reconnected with loved ones following disaster are becoming advocates and ambassadors for 2-1-1.
As more and more of our elected officials understand 2-1-1’s potential to join citizens and resources in pursuit of better communities, they are advocating for the funds and support to have 2-1-1 in all of our communities.