Sonoma County 2-1-1 Localized
Nationally, 2-1-1 serves 75 percent of the American public. During times of disaster, 2-1-1 Information and Referral is the centralized source of emergency information and is the one access point people need to find the real-time information that is critical. In an emergency, 2-1-1 Information and Referral operates under the direction of the state's emergency management. Information such as road closures, pharmacies, and volunteer efforts are all available 24 hours a day.
United Way of the Wine Country CEO Mike Kallhoff said, “2-1-1 is a vital public communication vehicle through which individuals, families and whole communities gain access to comprehensive and up-to-date information. It’s now tax season and with a simple phone call we are able to connect individuals and families with free tax preparation for households with income of $50,000 or less.”
2-1-1 Sonoma County Program Director Jim Bray said, “2-1-1 is simple, easy-to-remember, toll-free, and available 24-7. Both on a daily basis and in times of disaster, 2-1-1 is the one number people need to know to get help and information."
2-1-1 Sonoma County has helped over 40,000 callers connect with more than 100,000 health and human services in four years.
About 2-1-1 Sonoma County
2-1-1 Sonoma County is a public-private partnership between United Way of the Wine Country and Volunteer Center of Sonoma County. Partners include County of Sonoma, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, and First 5 Sonoma County.
2-1-1 Sonoma County Fact Sheet
What is 2-1-1?
For every day needs and in times of disaster, 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, toll-free phone number that connects Sonoma County residents with local community services, such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality child care and more. 2-1-1 is confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. 2-1-1 also serves as a vital link for individuals seeking to volunteer and provide resources to nonprofit organizations.
2-1-1 Sonoma County online:
www.211wc.org (includes searchable database)
Sonoma County Information & Referral (I&R) volume:
Spoke with 13,000 people about their needs in 2012
2-1-1’s role in disaster response and recovery
· 2007 Southern California Wildfires: The importance of 2-1-1 during disaster was underscored during the October 2007 wildfires in Southern California, where 2-1-1 San Diego call volume peaked at 30,000 calls a day – up from 800 daily – as residents sought information about evacuation sites, road closures, shelters, medical assistance, pet and large-animal care, and more.
· In the Sonoma County: When a major disaster strikes Sonoma County, 2-1-1 will provide residents with critical information about evacuation routes, food and shelter, as well as support with finding new jobs and permanent housing during long-term recovery.
What's the difference between 2-1-1, 4-1-1, 9-1-1, etc.?
2-1-1: Community services
4-1-1: Directory assistance
5-1-1: Traffic and transit
6-1-1: AT&
7-1-1: California relay for hearing impaired
8-1-1: “Call before you dig” for locating underground utility lines
9-1-1: Life-threatening emergency services
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
