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211 is a telephone service that provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for everyday needs and crisis assistance.

*  Services:  It received $70,000 for 2009-10, which covers a portion of the call center expenses, local marketing efforts and Greensboro data management. It provides access to resources for food banks, clothing, shelter, rent assistance, utility assistance, medical information lines, crisis intervention services,  drug and alcohol intervention, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs, unemployment benefits, job training, transportation assistance, home health care, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, homemaker services, after-school programs, summer camps and recreation programs, tutoring and protective services.   

*  The effect of reduced funding: “More and more people, due to the economy, are finding themselves needing help for the first time in their lives,” said Sarah Glover of the United Way. “They may never have imagined needing to access human services programs before. Delays in reaching out for help often result in more help being required. If they knew to call 211 early, they could perhaps avoid more serious problems. With a decrease in funding to 211, United Way would only be able to provide a bare-bones marketing effort and basic operating expenses with minimal outreach or educational efforts, thus reaching fewer people.”

*  With additional funding: “With additional funding, we could run a concentrated education and outreach campaign to spread the word about 211 throughout greater Greensboro, helping more people know (and know sooner) where to turn for help for themselves and their loved ones.”