About 2-1-1

Benefits to 2-1-1 Users:

• One call gives you access to resources across your community. 2-1-1 is efficient, fast and easy to use.
• No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).
• 2-1-1 is a confidential call; most often the name of the caller is not even taken.
• 2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system; saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.
• 24-hour/7 day a week availability; 2-1-1 is always there for you.
• 2-1-1 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.

Community Benefits:

• 2-1-1 strengthens your community by uniting the people in our area who want to help with those who need help.
• 2-1-1 is a useful planning tool. Based on aggregate data about the types of calls that 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 touches the lives of every person in the community, and whether you are in a situation where you need help or find yourself later in a situation to give help, 2-1-1 is always there for you.

Benefits as Crisis Tool:

• 2-1-1 is a critical information system, which is necessary prior to, during and after a community crisis such as an attack, flood, fire, or other local or national tragedy. Prior to a community crisis, it is critical that an information system is in place that will respond to the crisis at a moment's notice.
• 2-1-1 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.

Cost Benefit Analysis

United Way of America commissioned a study to assess the expected costs and anticipated benefits of a nationwide 2-1-1 system. Completed in December, the University of Texas Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources concluded the following:

• When an individual seeks information or referral services for which they have little or no prior knowledge or experience, dialing 2-1-1 is much simpler than other options.
• General information systems, such as 4-1-1, provide information that is too general in nature to be very useful and may charge a fee.
• As a one-stop shop for social services, 2-1-1 would ultimately save Americans millions of dollars in taxpayer money.

A national service of this type is estimated to provide $1.1 billion in net value to society over the next 10 years.