2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone. United Way maintains a continuously updated CT database of 4,100 agencies offering 47,000 programs and services. In FY2015, 2-1-1 handled 331,479 calls from CT residents with 347,808 requests for service. The 2-1-1 website received more than 901,000 visits in FY2015. 2-1-1 CT reaches a significant milestone in 2016 with its 40th anniversary.
Feb. 11 marks national 2-1-1 awareness day and this summer, United Way of CT rolled out a vastly enhanced 2-1-1 CT website to enhance access to services for CT residents. New and improved 211ct.org website features include:
- Built-in translation functionality with support for more than 30 languages
- Common language search with user-friendly search results
- Uses location info from your device (if enabled) to target searches locally
- Events calendar
When talking with ALICE families, we hear too often that people don’t know where to turn for help. Read about Beverly who fortunately was referred to 2-1-1 and received much needed assistance.
In August 2015, after years struggling to stay afloat, Beverly received a shut-off notice from her utility company saying they would suspend service if she did not pay her bill. Her bill had risen to over $5,000. Beverly couldn’t keep up with the payments, and the utility company suggested that she call 2-1-1. Through 2-1-1, Beverly was connected with United Way of Western CT, and from there, it led to a visit to Person-to-Person.
Person-to-Person assisted Beverly with a portion of her utility payments. She also received an advance of $1,300 from her job. Beverly said, “Just having someone to talk to for a little help was a relief. I finally had hope.” Beverly was offered food from their pantry. She said, “When I arrived at their food pantry, I was ashamed, embarrassed and my pride felt torn. That all changed when the woman helping me at the pantry said, ‘Honey, we all need help sometimes.’”
“It was important for me to shed light on just some of the many struggles that full-time working single parents like me have to endure every day. I will do my best on this journey of life to make things better for my family and children. Thank you again, United Way, for taking the time out to listen.”
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