United Way 2-1-1

Calling for 2-1-1 Legislation

Efforts are underway in Congress to facilitate the expansion of 2-1-1, with the recent re-introduction of The Calling for the 2-1-1 Act (S. 211) in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and the introduction of HR 896 by Representatives Mike Bilirakis (R-FL-9) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA-14).

These bills spearheads a bipartisan effort to secure $150 million in federal funding for 2-1-1 and support its nationwide adoption.

2-1-1, an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities, is a cost-effective answer to help people navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. Where 2-1-1 is operational, people can cut through red tape to gain access to a full range of community resources. By making these services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency and civic engagement. It's efficient, fast, and easy. 2-1-1 can further be used as a community planning tool. Based on aggregate data about the types of calls a 2-1-1 Center receives, communities are in a better position to anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to meet changing needs.

A fully realized nationwide 2-1-1 system will not happen without the support of the federal government, in partnership with states, as provided by The Calling for 2-1-1 Act. Current funding where 2-1-1 is operational comes from diverse sources including non-profits, state and local governments, foundations, and businesses. The dedicated federal funding stream to build and sustain 2-1-1 provided in this legislation will help to foster the public-private partnership necessary to make 2-1-1 available to 100 percent of the population.

A recent cost-benefit analysis conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that over ten years, a nationwide 2-1-1 system would save the nation upwards of $1.1 billion in saved time, volunteer recruitment, tax assistance and recovery, unnecessary 1-800 hotlines, and a reduction in non-emergency calls to 9-1-1.
The Triangle Area including Chatham, Durham, Orange and Wake counties currently have access to 2-1-1 through Triangle United Way. In North Carolina, 40% of residents have access to 2-1-1.

Contact your local House and Senate members to encourage their support of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act by dialing toll free line, 1-800-PASS-211 (1-800-727-7211) to reach your representatives. Or, you can use one of our Senate or House Sample letters.