United Way 2-1-1
About United Way 2-1-1
In spring 1999, North Carolina's United Way professionals began exploring a statewide agenda to establish 2-1-1. In an effort to allow the information and referral systems in North Carolina to file a statewide petition with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for 2-1-1 designation. Governor Hunt issued support for 2-1-1 and wrote an endorsement letter to Joanne Sanford, Chair of the NCPUC, in the spring of 1999. With strong United Way interest, a special Task Force was created to begin the process of establishing cooperative agreements with the four large United Way's. Cooperative agreements were written and distributed to each partner and funding was established to begin the process of filing for the 2-1-1 designation.
United Way 2-1-1 is a single source for information about community services and for referrals to health and human service programs. Call 2-1-1 throughout most of the counties in North Carolina, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to get connected. Bilingual caseworkers are available during regular business hours.
How United Way 2-1-1 Helps Callers
Historically, Triangle residents have called Information and Referral Services for many different types of help. Professional caseworkers at United Way 2-1-1 help callers with complex issues such as substance abuse, support groups, domestic violence, financial assistance, day care, and much more. United Way 2-1-1 caseworkers help callers find help or community services in their area. But 911 remains the number to call for fire, police, or EMS response; 411 remains the number for telephone directory assistance.
Serving Agencies, Government, and Businesses
United Way 2-1-1 developed the Triangle's most comprehensive database of human service resources to serve small business owners, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), nonprofit agencies, and government agencies. It is continuously updated, providing the foundation for mailing lists and numerous publications in print, disk form, and on Internet. 2-1-1's collection of demographics and caller needs provides a valuable overview of the issues facing Triangle residents.
The Evolution of 2-1-1
Triangle United Way's regional I&R service -- Infolinc -- was created in 1998 through the merger of three community based information and referral services in Durham, Orange and Wake counties, and was later expanded to serve Chatham County. On July 1,2005, expanded coverage throughout North Carolina.
History of United Way 2-1-1
On November 18, 1999 the North Carolina Utilities Commission issued an order designating 2-1-1 to the United Way of North Carolina, for use with information and referral systems statewide. On August 2, 2001-Triangle United Way's Infolinc completed its evolution into United Way 2-1-1. Other 2-1-1 sites are United Way Asheville/Buncombe Co., United Way Central Carolinas, and Triad United Way 2-1-1 Services.