Every hour of every day, Long Islanders are seeking essential health and human services – from employment and financial needs to housing /food and disaster assistance. On Wednesday, February 11, 2015, United Way of Long Island (UWLI) joins a nationwide effort in recognition of 2-1-1 Day.
2-1-1 is one-stop shopping for Long Islanders in need of non-emergency assistance. As a free, information and referral service, 2-1-1 Long Island connects residents to an extensive network of resources through its Call Center or online at www.211LongIsland.org.
Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of UWLI said, “A person in need averages 3-4 calls before locating the help they need. The goal of 2-1-1 Long Island is to help families and individuals quickly navigate to a specific resource so they can begin the process of working through their concern.”
In 2014, nearly 9,200 calls were made to 2-1-1 Long Island from residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Regnante stated, “With the increase in virtual services and the use of mobile devices, we are really seeing a significant impact online. Nearly 250,000 unique visitors used 211longisland.org – demonstrating how crucial this service is to our community members.”
2-1-1 Long Island is operated in partnership between United Way of Long Island as the designated lead organization and the Middle Country Public Library managing the 2-1-1 database. 2-1-1 call specialists are specifically trained in connecting people to resources quickly and easily – which can prevent problems from growing into crises. This easy-to-remember three-digit dialing system also ensures those inquiring have an outlet to seek out information relating to non-emergencies – and not to interfere with 911 operators.
The 2-1-1 Call Center operates seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The service is free, confidential and multi-lingual. For more information call 2-1-1 or 1-888-774-7633 or for its free searchable online directory of health and human service agencies in Nassau and Suffolk Counties visit www.211LongIsland.org.