It’s been said that information is power.  Information about current events or how to fix a car engine, computer or the human body is powerful, indeed.  But when critical information about basic human and family needs is made accessible and put in the hands of thousands of people it becomes something even more than power.  It becomes empowering. Empowerment breeds hope and then lives begin to change. 

Providing people with hope, and the ability to change their lives is the purpose behind the 2-1-1 Infoline facilitated by a national partnership between the United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS).  It began with the United Way of Atlanta in 1997, and now 2-1-1 reaches across 47 states. In 2008 alone, 2-1-1 served more than 234 million Americans.   Last year in Weld County, United Way of Weld County’s 2-1-1- Infoline handled more than 24,000 calls from people like you and me.  They were looking for information on a wide range of topics.  We heard from families seeking rental assistance, and seniors looking for help with tax preparation. We heard from new mothers needing information about childcare and families looking for guidance about school readiness for their children.  We heard from families affected by the tornado in Windsor, and thousands who wanted to help with the recovery.  In fact, we fielded more than 6,500 calls about the tornado alone.

How 2-1-1 Can Help in Today’s Challenging Economy.

During these difficult and challenging times, more and more people across Northern and Northeastern Colorado are reaching out for help both in times of crisis and with everyday needs.  Rest assured, the United Way of Weld County 2-1-1 Call Specialists stand ready. They are prepared with guidance, referrals and assistance. 

The measurement of a community is often gauged by how intentional the efforts are to serve citizens in need and how streamlined access is to important information and services. There are countless people in Greeley and throughout the region who are committed to providing that critical link between people in need and health and human service agencies in the most efficient and effective way possible.    

Probably the best thing about 2-1-1 is how simple it is to use. People are just three little numbers away from the help they need.  Our 2-1-1 Infoline:
 

•2-1-1 is for everyone and can be remembered by everyone.
•2-1-1 is free and confidential.
•2-1-1 makes the entire human services sector at every level of government work more efficiently.
•2-1-1 has proven itself time after time as an invaluable resource in the aftermath of a disaster.
•2-1-1 connects you with physical and mental health resources, including medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs
•2-1-1 connects you with information about Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health and children’s health insurance programs.
•2-1-1 provides employment support, including information about unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs.
•2-1-1 provides support for older Americans and Persons with Disabilities, including information and services pertaining to home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services.
•2-1-1 provides support for children, youth and families, including information and referrals for quality childcare, after school programs, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.
•2-1-1 is an easy way to find volunteer opportunities.
•2-1-1 provides information about affordable spay and neuter services for pets.
•2-1-1 connects you with opportunities to donate funds, goods or time.

If you, a loved one or a friend needs information and access to health and human service agencies, help is just three little numbers away. Dial 2-1-1 (or 970-353-4300 or 800-559-5590) and join 24,000 of your neighbors who turned to the United Way of Weld County for empowerment last year. It’s just one way our community can Live United! 


Chris Dowen is the Director of United Way’s 2-1-1 Program for Weld County and Northeastern Colorado.