Answer: 2-1-1.
Question: Who you gonna call?
Starting in February, Snohomish and King counties will join a growing nationwide network providing information and referrals for health and human services, emergency and disaster response information and public health information.
It’s as simple as dialing the 2-1-1 number in a time of crisis, catastrophe or need.
The 211 system is a proven winner. Just ask the up to 8,000 people who called the number in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The system is there for emergencies, providing help to those in need due to fire, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc. People can find out where to go to get shelter and other assistance.
But its usefulness isn’t just for widespread disaster – it’s there for personal disasters, too. Such as, where can a hungry family find food? Where can an abused person seek help? Where can a parent find counseling for his anorexic daughter? Where can a gambling addict go to stop the madness? Where can I learn to speak English?
How can one line provide such disparate information? The 211 system is brought to you by the Washington Information Network, a nonprofit group made up of more than 30 organizations that include comprehensive and specialized information and referral services, United Ways throughout the state, state agencies, local community action programs and individuals. That’s how. In Snohomish County, the service will expand the Community Information Line, a toll-free number run by Volunteers of America for 17 years.
Nationwide, the 2-1-1 system serves approximately 137 million people – more than 46 percent of the population. There are 169 systems covering all or part of 32 states. Fourteen states have complete coverage.
A truly beautiful aspect of the system is that it works two ways. It’s there for those in need. But just as important, a person can dial 2-1-1 and ask, “How can I help?” “How can I volunteer?” “Where are my services needed?” “How can I donate?” Specialists on the other end of the line will tell how you can help, just as they tell others how to get help.
Citizens of Snohomish County should be grateful to the Washington Information Network, The United Way of Snohomish County, and Bill Brackin, program director of the Community Information Line, for their work in bringing the system here.
2-1-1 is an easy number to remember. It’s there for us all, starting in February.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
