Published: Tuesday, July 27, 2010
FUNDING 2-1-1
Resource really needs our support
Ten years ago this month, the Federal Communications Commission determined a scarce public resource, 2-1-1 -- a remaining 3-digit abbreviated dialing code -- should be used for access to community information and referral. Just as 9-1-1 connects people with emergency services, 2-1-1 connects people to important human services.
Last year, 2-1-1 centers answered more than 16 million calls, connecting people with job options, food, housing, education, counseling and much more. Federal, state and local agencies rely on 2-1-1 as the "go-to" number to connect people with important human services from a range of private nonprofits, government and faith-based agencies.
And despite the rapid growth and development, 2-1-1 still faces many barriers and limitations.
Not all Americans can access 2-1-1. Certain communications devices -- such as wireless, IP and pre-paid phones -- cannot reach 2-1-1. Lack of funding and coordination creates many obstacles to quality 2-1-1 service, such as longer hold times and misrouted calls.
More than 300 members of Congress agree that 2-1-1 should be available for all Americans. A broadly bipartisan group of 246 representatives and 61 senators have co-sponsored the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (H.R.211/S.211), a bill that would authorize a modest matching grant program to support 2-1-1.
Because of the economic recession, 2-1-1 is at the edge of its call-handling capacity. All Americans deserve to have 2-1-1 enabled and available to find help before problems escalate into major challenges like foreclosure, addiction or abuse.
On this 10-year anniversary of the FCC order to designate 2-1-1, we need you to call Congress and ask them to vote on the Calling For 2-1-1 Act before the August recess. 2-1-1 has proven itself as a fast, easy and cost-effective answer to help residents navigate the complex and ever-changing maze of human services -- especially during this economic crisis.
Bill Brackin
Program Director,
Volunteers of America Western Washington
Last year, 2-1-1 centers answered more than 16 million calls, connecting people with job options, food, housing, education, counseling and much more. Federal, state and local agencies rely on 2-1-1 as the "go-to" number to connect people with important human services from a range of private nonprofits, government and faith-based agencies.
And despite the rapid growth and development, 2-1-1 still faces many barriers and limitations.
Not all Americans can access 2-1-1. Certain communications devices -- such as wireless, IP and pre-paid phones -- cannot reach 2-1-1. Lack of funding and coordination creates many obstacles to quality 2-1-1 service, such as longer hold times and misrouted calls.
More than 300 members of Congress agree that 2-1-1 should be available for all Americans. A broadly bipartisan group of 246 representatives and 61 senators have co-sponsored the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (H.R.211/S.211), a bill that would authorize a modest matching grant program to support 2-1-1.
Because of the economic recession, 2-1-1 is at the edge of its call-handling capacity. All Americans deserve to have 2-1-1 enabled and available to find help before problems escalate into major challenges like foreclosure, addiction or abuse.
On this 10-year anniversary of the FCC order to designate 2-1-1, we need you to call Congress and ask them to vote on the Calling For 2-1-1 Act before the August recess. 2-1-1 has proven itself as a fast, easy and cost-effective answer to help residents navigate the complex and ever-changing maze of human services -- especially during this economic crisis.
Bill Brackin
Program Director,
Volunteers of America Western Washington
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