There’s 411 for information and 911 for emergencies, but did you know you can call 211 when you need help and don’t know where to turn? Most people don’t. Luckily for James of Vallejo, he stumbled upon 211 accidentally.

James called 211 instead of 411, looking for the phone number for Kohl’s department store. Daphne, the 211 call center specialist who answered, explained 211 to James. She told him how we connect people to hundreds of community programs to help them find food, housing, health care, legal aid, and much more.

Speaking with a heavy speech impediment, James was pleasantly surprised and then asked, “Well, can you help me find some work?” From there, his story unfolded. James had been laid off five months before, and his unemployment had run out. He had part-time work, but was not earning enough to pay his rent or other bills.

Coincidentally, Daphne used to be a special-ed teacher, and switched gears. “Everyday, I would see kids get frustrated with their disability and the fact that people didn’t take the time to listen,” she said, “I was determined to help James and make sure he felt understood.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Daphne proceeded to give James several referrals, connecting him to:

• Job assistance programs through the Workforce Investment Board of Solano
• Food assistance programs through the Health and Social Services
• Unemployment benefits help through the Employment Law Center
• Legal Services of Northern California
• Rent assistance through the Catholic Social Services

James was very appreciative of the time 211 took to speak with him. He said, “I know I can be difficult to understand and most of the time people just hang up on me.” Daphne said his call was particularly rewarding. “I was so impressed that he wasn’t letting his disability stand in the way of employment, and I was glad I could help.”

James’ story is one of thousands across the Bay Area. Last year, 211 helped close to 179,000 people. A lifeline to essential services, the call center is available 24/7 in more than 150 languages. In addition to helping people find basic needs, 211 also assists during times of disaster, providing critical information about evacuation routes, food, and shelter. Finally, 211 connects callers to other United Way programs like Earn It! Keep It! Save It! for free tax help, and SparkPoint for financial coaching.

Residents in the San Francisco Bay Area, who are concerned about radiation from Japan’s nuclear emergency can call 211 for updated information. 

Currently, the Bay Area’s departments of public health are emphasizing that there is no danger to Bay Area residents from Japan’s nuclear emergency. They also discourage taking potassium iodide, which can have serious side effects and should not be taken unless recommended.

Residents are discouraged from calling 911 unless they are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. During times of disaster, the 211 helplines provide critical information to local residents, relieving 911 operators from answering non-emergency calls.

The Bay Area’s 211 call centers will continue to communicate actively with County Departments of Emergency Services in the Bay Area to provide residents with the most current information.

211 is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. Residents who cannot dial 211 should call 800-273-6222 to reach a local 211 call center. For the hearing impaired, dial 711 or 415-808-4440 (TTY).   Information is also available at www.211BayArea.org.

Call 211 to get information about whether the tsunami will impact where you live.

Residents in the San Francisco Bay Area, who are concerned about the local impact of tsunami waves generated by the 8.9 earthquake off Japan early this morning, can call 211 for information about areas that are being evacuated, shelters and evacuation centers, and check points for boat owners.

Residents are discouraged from calling 911 unless they are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. During times of disaster, the 211 Bay Area helplines provide critical information to local residents, relieving 911 operators from answering non-emergency calls.

“Our 211 Bay Area call center is actively communicating today with the Offices of Emergency Services for Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties, so that we can provide residents with the most current information about evacuation areas, road closings and other coastal warnings,” said Helen Rosen, vice president of operations for United Way’s 211 call center.

“Our phone lines have been quite busy, and we encourage residents to call 211 for tsunami information, so that 911 operators can remain focused on life-threateningemergencies,” Rosen said.

211 providers all along the California coast are also providing information to residents in their areas,including call centers in Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sonoma and Ventura counties.

211 is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. Residents who cannot dial 211 should call 800-273-6222 to reach a local 211 call center. For the hearing impaired, dial 711 or 415-808-4440 (TTY).

Learn more about 211 at  www.211BayArea.org.

Photo courtesy of Hamed Saber via Creative Commons license.

United Way of the Bay Area has received a $250,000 contribution from AT&T, which has strengthened the ability of Bay Area nonprofits to assist people in times of disaster or emergency.  The funds provide key nonprofits with the capacity to deliver critical safety-net services in an emergency and has expanded the capacity of the region’s 211 community information line, so that Bay Area residents can quickly access those services.  

United Way used the AT&T contribution to continue to train volunteers to handle increased 211 calls during and after a disaster; planned and implemented Bay Area disaster exercises; and purchased technology to expand 211 emergency capacity.

 “AT&T’s generous support helps United Way and our partners ensure that the Bay Area safety net continues to function after a disaster, so it can provide the services and supports that vulnerable populations will need,” said Anne Wilson, CEO of United Way of the Bay Area.  “This contribution also strengthens our 211 helpline, which plays a critical role in helping residents connect with community resources every day, as well as in times of crisis.”

Click to read the full press release.

Photo courtesy of NZ Defence Force via Creative Commons license.

Get Help

San Bruno residents affected by the fire can call 800-273-6222 to reach United Way’s 211/Helplink call center. We can connect you with basic needs such as food and shelter, as well as the latest information about re-entry to evacuated homes. The helpline is taking calls 24 hours a day, and can assist callers in more than 150 languages.   (211 is not yet live in San Mateo County; the launch is planned for late October 2010.)

United Way’s 211 is working closely with San Mateo County officials to communicate with residents who were evacuated from their homes about the re-entry process. Over the weekend, United Way’s 211 staff made calls directly to affected residents to let them know when they could re-enter their homes and the process for doing so.

Here is a full list of resources, with information about making donations and volunteer opportunities near the bottom:

Latest information for San Bruno residents

• City of San Bruno Emergency Hotline: 650.616.7180.
• City of San Bruno website: www.sanbruno.ca.gov.

Local Assistance Center (LAC)

NEW (Updated 9/17) – The LAC Center at the Recreation Center is now closed and has transitioned to the San Bruno Recovery Center located at 900 Cherry Avenue, 3rd Floor. The Recovery Center will be open daily from 9-6. The Center brings together service providers who are helping those affected by the fire, including the City of San Bruno.

Organized Labor/United Way Partnership

Organized Labor and United Way share a concern for the health and well being of our community. Union members and others affected by the San Bruno Fire can contact San Mateo Labor Council Community Services Director for assistance and advocacy as they navigate insurance, rebuilding, stress and other issues.   Call:  650 341-7711.

Insurance Questions

Contact the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (4357) Monday-Friday, 8-5 for questions about insurance coverage and reimbursement for living expenses during the evacuation period. www.insurance.ca.gov

Property Tax Relief

The San Mateo County Clerk is providing advice on filing a claims for property tax relief.  MOre information at http://www.smcare.org/

Home Reconstruction

Mayor Jim Ruane announced that the City of San Bruno will waive all permit fees associated with repair and rebuilding of the affected homes.

Avoid scams and unlicensed contractors.  Residents are urged not to rush into repairs or rebuilding.  The California State Department of Insurance recommends that you:

• Contact your insurance carrier immediately
• Deal only with licensed contractors. Before choosing a contractor, check with the California State Contractors License Board to make sure the contractor is LICENSED. 1-800 321-2752.

PG&E ”Rebuild San Bruno Fund”

To obtain a claim form for financial assistance, call 415-973-89019 between 7:30am-7:30 pm. www.pge.com/response.

Lost Identification and Personal Records,

State and Federal agencies will replace identification cards free of charge.

The San Mateo County Clerk is helping people replace their personal records (birth, death, marriage, and property deeds) at no cost.  http://www.smcare.org/

Schools

San Bruno Park School District sites will be open on Monday, September 13. All afterschool recreation programs at school sites will be in operation. www.sbpsd.k12.ca.us

City Recreation Center

All recreation programs conducted in the Recreation Center or in City Park are cancelled at least through Tuesday, September 14th. www.sanbruno.ca.gov/parks_main.asp

GIVE HELP

Donations

NEW (updated 9/16) 

To assist the community in the recovery, cash donations may be made by check and sent to:
Glenview Fire Recovery Fund
First National Bank of Northern California
Millbrae-San Bruno Branch
1551 El Camino Real
Millbrae, CA, 94030

Click here to make a donation to support United Way’s 211 and our work to support the San Bruno residents.

In addition, the following organizations are also accepting monetary donations. See their websites for details:

American Red Cross – Bay Area Chapter

San Francisco Foundation

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Volunteers:

NEW (Updated 9/16) Prior to Tuesday, September 14, 2010, there had been a call for a very limited number of volunteer opportunities and those volunteer spots were filled quickly. There has not been any additional calls for volunteers since that time. Should a need for volunteers arise related to the response and recovery effort, click on page below and register in order to be notified.
www.thevolunteercenter.net/?SanBrunoFire
www.californiavolunteers.org/disastercorps