New 2-1-1 Number Provides Info On Community Services

February 13, 2011

United Way of Escambia County has launched 2-1-1 in Escambia County, Florida. 2-1-1 expands upon the services provided by First Call For Help for the last 25 years by offering free and confidential information and referral services 24 hours per day accessible by a three-digit, easy-to-remember number, 2-1-1. The launch of 2-1-1 in Escambia County was sponsored by a grant from AT&T.

When people are in need, they can simply dial 2-1-1 from any Escambia County land line. They will reach a real person, no matter what time of day it is. Access is currently available from most cellular phones, and should be available from all cellular phone networks soon, while in Escambia County. The service also can be reached by dialing (850) 595-5905.

2-1-1’s trained information and referral specialists provide information on the following services:

  • Basic human needs resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
  • Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
  • Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, education programs.
  • Support for older Americans and people with disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.
  • Support for children, youth and families: Quality childcare, after-school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
  • Volunteer opportunities and donations.

“2-1-1 is important because families do not limit their crises to 8 to 5,” said Rita Icenogle, 2-1-1 director. “2-1-1 lets us be there when they need us. 2-1-1 is a number that can be easily remembered, especially during times of disaster.”

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News