2-1-1 is
an easy to remember phone number that connects
individuals with resources in their community.
With approximately 1.5 million nonprofit organizations
in the United States, plus scores of government
agencies, finding help can be confusing and intimidating.
People who want to give help often do not know
where to begin. 2-1-1 centers are staffed by trained
specialists who quickly assess the callers’
needs and refer them to the help they seek. It’s
simple to remember, accessible to everyone at
no cost, available 24/7, with multilingual capabilities.
Extending 2-1-1 service to all Merced County
residents, to all Californians, and ultimately
to all Americans is a priority of United Way organizations
across the country. At this time United Way of
Merced County is bringing State and local officials
together to discuss and evaluate the 2-1-1 process
for Merced County.
2-1-1 enables people to get help or give help.
2-1-1 offers information on a broad range of services,
including rent assistance, food banks, affordable
housing, health resources, child care, after-school
programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and
job training programs. Specialists at 2-1-1 centers
facilitate thousands of volunteer hours and direct
material donors to locations where their gifts
may be most needed and appropriate.
As we are in the discussion stages – it
might be worthwhile reading about the 2-1-1 system
and the organizations that are supporting it:
