United Way Announces 2-1-1
Easy to remember phone number connects people with health and human services
human services, such as locating child care, finding quality care for
aging parents, needing assistance to meet basic needs or job training programs. 2-1-1 centers are staffed by trained specialists who assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek.
In addition, the call center specialists facilitate calls and questions from those
interested in volunteering or donating items, such as food and clothing.
2-1-1 benefits the community as a whole. In the past, when people
were looking for help they called five to eight different phone numbers
searching for the right information. There was not a centralized source
of information. Now, 2-1-1 serves as our community’s information and
referral resource and will be a vital connection for those needing help,
as well as for those wanting to give help.
And, in times of crisis - - when a community is coping with floods, fires
or other large scale emergencies - - 2-1-1 is a key tool.
Additionally, 2-1-1 is a useful planning tool since it provides real
time information about the scope of issues local people are facing.
The community will be in a better position to anticipate demand for
services and mobilize resources.
Certified call specialists at United Way of Lancaster’s LINC information
and referral service will serve as our region’s call center. LINC has
been in existence for several years and is equipped to manage the
service. Berks TALKLINE, a United Way agency partner, manages the
database of agencies and programs to help ensure Berks Countians
have accurate access to health and human service programs. 2-1-1
is not to be used for emergency calls/purposes.
2-1-1 is an example of a community collaboration. United Way of
Berks County is pleased to help bring this service to our area. We have
been advocating for and working towards this for the past decade.
Counties are responsible for developing their own resources to support
2-1-1, as no federal or state funding specific to the initiative is
available. United Way is grateful to the County’s MH/MR office, as they
secured a grant for start-up purposes. Efforts are underway to secure
additional funding from a coalition of private and public funders.
2-1-1 Highlights
- Connects people to community resources, providing
information on a broad range of services, including
child care, after-school programs, food banks, elderly
care, basic needs, health services and much more.
- Service is effective October 3, 2011. Available
Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- Serves as a vital connection for those needing help,
as well as for those wanting to give help.
- Proven to be a key tool during times of crisis.
- Serves as a community planning tool.
- Berks TALKLINE, United Way agency partner, manages
the local database of agencies and programs.
- Certified information and referral call specialists
serve in a regional call center.
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