• 2-1-1 has been designated by the FCC for the exclusive use
of health
and human services information and referral systems.
• 2-1-1 is a proven success story across the nation, with
more than 128 active 2-1-1 call centers across the United
States.
• United Way of Southwest Alabama is
actively working to implement a 2-1-1 system that will serve
southwest Alabama. Throughout the state, cities are collaborating
to make this service available to all Alabamians.
• On September 17, 2003, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY),
Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Representative Anna Eshoo
(D-CA), and Representative Richard Burr (R-NC) announced the
introduction of The Calling for 2-1-1 Act (HR.3111 & S.1630)
which would authorize $200 million in federal funding for 2-1-1.
This legislation is critical, as a fully realized nationwide
2-1-1 system will not happen without a partnership with the federal
government. A few notes:
Federal funding for 2-1-1 would not come from earmarks
to existing federal HHS programs such as the Social
Services Block Grant, TANF, and the Child Care & Development
Block Grant.
Funding does require a 50% statewide match but may be
used for a broad range of 2-1-1 services including
planning for, implementing, operating and maintaining 2-1-1,
public awareness campaigns, staff training, technology and
other capacity issues.
2-1-1 Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever needed help but didn’t know where to
call? Have you ever tried to get help, only to be bounced from
one place to another because no one really knew the right place
to send you? Dialing 2-1-1 can help. One call gives you access
to resources across your community. 2-1-1 is efficient, fast,
and easy to use.
Why 2-1-1?
2-1-1 helps people find and give help. It makes it simple.
No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find
the right resources. 2-1-1 is 24-hours a day, 7 days a
week—2-1-1 is always there for you.
How does 2-1-1 work?
Simply dial 2-1-1 and someone right here in your
community will answer the phone. You’ll speak to
someone who knows the resources in Southwest Alabama;
who will send you to the right place the first time.
All calls are confidential; most often the name of
the caller is not even taken. You can trust in the people
of 2-1-1 because they are trained by the Family Counseling
Center, a nonprofit agency serving the greater Mobile
area for over 25 years.
2-1-1 is a free service brought to you by the United
Way of Southwest Alabama. Through 2-1-1 you can learn
about the many services of the United Way family of agencies—plus
the services of hundreds of other non-profit and governmental
agencies here to serve you.
What else does 2-1-1 do?
2-1-1 provides service providers, caretakers, and
anyone with access to the internet with an online resource
directory.
2-1-1 is a planning tool; combining data about the
types of calls the 2-1-1 Center receives, communities
are in a better position to anticipate demand for services
and mobilize resources to meet changing needs.
2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system;
saving that vital community resource for life and death
emergencies. Once 2-1-1 is implemented, it maintains
a permanent presence in the community. As a result, people
can find the help they need whether their needs arise
a week or several years after a crisis event.
I live outside Mobile, can I call 2-1-1?
Yes! 2-1-1 service is initially planned to cover Baldwin,
Clarke, Mobile, and Washington counties—with additional
plans to add more coverage over time.
How can I learn more about 2-1-1?
For more information about local plans to implement
2-1-1, or to get involved, please contact the United
Way of Southwest Alabama:
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