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In response to the earthquake in Haiti, United Way has activated its 2-1-1 calling center, which provides critical, life-saving resources in communities throughout the U.S., particularly those with large Haitian populations, as well as a means to reach out and help people back home in Haiti. Click here for information on United Way's response in Haiti.

• 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.
• 2-1-1 reaches approximately 234 million people (over 78% of the total U.S. population) in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Yet, millions of Americans still need to be connected.
• America needs 2-1-1 to be accessible nationwide. As the number of organizations providing specialized services is on the rise, people find it frustrating and confusing to access community services. 2-1-1 provides a one-stop service for vital information.
• While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:
• • Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
  • Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children's health insurance programs.
  • Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
  • Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.
  • Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
  • Volunteer opportunities and donations.

Please join our efforts to obtain critical federal funds for your community. We encourage you to contact your Senators and Representatives to urge co-sponsorship of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (see S.211 / H.R.211). The legislation will provide federal money to states starting or enhancing a 2-1-1 system.  Learn more at www.liveunited.org/211.