Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 211 potentially has the bonus impact of giving public safety emergency dispatchers the option of referring non-emergency calls for social services – a growing burden on 911 operators - to the 211 line. Supervisor Kathy Long is a 211 advocate “because it will provide easy access to information that will enable people in our county to make a critical connection to the availability of health and human services.”“In time of crisis, the last thing anyone wants to do is go through a phone book,” to find the correct services agency, noted Smith. “211 will serve those who have needs right now,” whether it be domestic or elder abuse to “if they were laid off and need rent…it’s easy to remember. 211 is going to guide a lot of people who might go through seven agencies before they get the agency they need” for services. “It will be of value to every resident of this county.”The initial 211 Call Center – staffed with trained bilingual referral counselors – will be opened in Oxnard and will be moved to the Camarillo Airport within a few years.“211 is a tangible source of community service that needs your support,” through “spreading the word” as well as financial backing, said UWVC Board Chair Michael Silacci. “United Way is very fortunate to partner with Interface,” on the upcoming health and human services program.For more information call UWVC, 485-6288 or, on the Web, visit www.211.org.
211: Health & human service referral line to debut in Ventura County
December 29, 2004
Santa Paula News
In times of emergency – say a fire or robbery – people call 911 for help, but now a new number is being introduced early next year for those who are experiencing a non-threatening crisis and need help of a different kind.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesIn times of emergency – say a fire or robbery – people call 911 for help, but now a new number is being introduced early next year for those who are experiencing a non-threatening crisis and need help of a different kind. The new number is 211 and the program will offer a wide-array of health and human service referrals to those in need.Resulting from a partnership between Interface Children Family Services and the United Way of Ventura County, the program to “Get Connected - Get Answers” was explained at a December 14 meeting held in Santa Paula, attended by interested community members including Mayor Mary Ann Krause and Councilman John Procter. “We’re very excited; we hope 211 will be a real benefit to those living in the Santa Clara River Valley,” said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.Although the program has been spreading throughout the nation, Ventura County will be the first in California to utilize 211 when it is launched in February, said UWVC President-CEO David Smith. The 211 program will be formed out of Interface’s existing Helpline program and has the potential for a “tremendous impact on Ventura County. Through dialing these simple digits, residents can get directly connected to hundreds of resources that can alleviate people’s critical needs,” said Smith.211 will offer access to basic human needs resources including food, clothing and shelter; drug and alcohol intervention/rehabilitation; employment support including job training and transportation assistance; and support for older citizens and persons with disabilities. 211 will also offer support for children, youth and families; childcare; legal help; hospice care; summer camps and recreation services, as well as protective services, noted Smith.
