2-1-1

211 Info Bank connects people to community resources via an easy-to-dial phone number, 2-1-1 and through a searchable online database of services. Individuals contacting 211 reach a certified information specialist or trained volunteer who helps them assess their situation, prioritize their needs, and then obtain information about available community services. Individuals can also browse a free online directory of services. Offering a comprehensive range of resources, 211 Info Bank provides a “holistic” approach to meeting the basic needs of those requesting help.

With information on more than 2,080 programs in our community, 211 Info Bank partners with virtually every private nonprofit and public health and human service program.

As gaps in services are identified, 211 Info Bank works closely with certain human service providers to explore creative ways to meet critical needs. This includes approximately 150 agencies in Washington County.

211 Info Bank also plays an important role in homeland security and disaster relief as a member of Utah’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (UVOAD). Should a large-scale criminal incident, or natural disaster occur in our community, 211 Info Bank is a source of information during the relief and recovery efforts that begin 72 hours after an incident. 211 Info Bank works closely with other agencies providing services such as the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.)

211 Info Bank is a unique service for residents in our community as it provides a central source for individuals and families looking for community resources to meet their basic needs. 211 Info Bank is the only comprehensive information and referral service that provides access to resources for virtually any basic human need. It is the only agency that offers a website that is inclusive of all United Way, non-United Way nonprofit programs, and public health and human service organizations. With interpretation available in 150 languages, 211 effectively reaches underserved populations who might otherwise encounter language barriers when attempting to find help with basic needs. Extended evening hours and weekend hours also facilitate greater access to resources for those seeking help. (211 service is available 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.).

Effectiveness is determined by community awareness and the number of callers matched to the appropriate resources. The more calls for assistance we receive each year, the more we know that people understand 211 as a valuable resource.

When someone calls 211 asking for assistance, in order to track an accurate number of people served by the 211 program, the information specialist will ask how many people are being helped, for example, if the person is calling on behalf of a family of 5 people. To track how the request was addressed, the information specialist performs a needs assessment of what kind of assistance the caller is requesting, ranging from emergency food assistance to health insurance help. The information specialist tracks which category of assistance and agency a caller has been referred to.

211 Info Bank has had great success during this past year. Recently, 211 announced that Utah is now the 9th state in the nation to provide its service to anyone in the state’s boundaries. In the past three years, the 211 Info Bank has nearly doubled the number of phone calls for health and human service assistance it has received, answering 6,366 calls last month as opposed to only 3,244 in January 2002 when it was officially launched. The 211 Info Bank is recognized nationally for its ability to efficiently address the needs in the community, holding the 2nd lowest cost per call of 211 centers across the country. (Current 211 Info Bank cost per call is $4.04 versus the national average of $12.74 per call).

United Way funding of 211 Info Bank translates into improved access to basic needs for individuals and families seeking assistance. Because Washington County is a new service area for 211, there are new costs associated with collecting data and having correct information about resources in this community. Lack of funding for 211 Info Bank would result in difficulty providing accurate information to Washington County residents. United Way of Dixie funds will be instrumental in the successful launch of 211 in that part of the state.

Download the Washington Country General Resource List (184 KB Adobe pdf file)

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