United Way and our  partners today released data that shows our 211 helpline assisted more than 218,000 callers in 2010, up 6% from 2009.   At the same time, requests for help with “basic needs” – such as food, shelter, and clothing – jumped 12%, lead by a 19% surge in requests for food assistance.  

“The Bay Area’s 211 call centers have experienced a steady increase in calls for help, as 211 continues to serve as an essential guide for Bay Area residents during these tough times,” said Anne Wilson, CEO of United Way of the Bay Area, which operates 211 service in Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Solano Counties.  United Way of the Bay Area partners with Eden I&R  (Alameda County), Contra Costa Crisis Center, United Way Silicon Valley and United Way of the Wine Country to provide 211 service throughout the Bay Area.

She added, “Our 211 specialists are answering more calls from people who are asking for help for the first time in their lives, and are not sure where to start. We’re happy to reassure them that our 211 team is here to listen, direct them to community resources that can help, and then follow up over time to ensure they are successfully connecting with the services they need.”

Read the complete press release.

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

As cold temperatures linger in the Bay Area, residents who need help paying their PG&E bills can dial 211 to find out if they are eligible for energy assistance programs that serve our region. Residents can also call 211 to find emergency shelters, which have opened in several Bay Area counties to provide overnight accommodations during the coldest winter months.

211 referral service 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).

211 specialists can answer questions such as:

• How do I apply for energy assistance?
• What are the eligibility requirements?
• Where can I find emergency shelter in my area?
• What other kinds of assistance or community services may be available for me?

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

211 turns 10 today!

Ten years ago today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously to designate 211 as the nation’s three-digit phone number for community service information.  The FCC designated 211 in response to advocacy by United Way of America and AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems).

Last year, 211 answered 16 million calls, helping people in 46 states connect with food, shelter, childcare and other vital services.  In California, 211 is available in 26 of 58 counties.

Today, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary, federal legislation that ensures 211 is available to all Americans is at a standstill, stuck in Committee.

We need your help to urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Members of Congress to move the HR 211 bill to the House Floor for a vote!  The bill already has 246 House co-sponsors (that’s majority!) and 61 Senate co-sponsors (that’s majority too!). But this bill cannot be enacted without a vote.

Call or email your Representative TODAY and say you want HR 211 to be voted on before Congress recesses on July 30.   Click to find your Representative’s phone number and a few talking points about HR211.

Photo courtesy of Theresa Thompson via Creative Commons license.

As the nation’s housing and job markets show encouraging signs of recovery, there are still far too many families who are on the brink of becoming homeless or have fallen into our shelter system.”

– Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

From the USA Today article, “Families in homeless shelters increased 7% in ’09“

Communities throughout the Bay Area will begin free summer meal programs for children this month, serving meals on weekdays throughout the summer at summer-school and community sites.  All children 18 years old and younger are eligible, regardless of their families’ income.

Families are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 for free meal information in more than 150 languages.   Residents who can’t dial 2-1-1 should call 800-273-6222.

NOTE:  Because of funding cuts, many school districts and community organizations that have previously served summer meals have curtailed or eliminated summer meal service this year.  Families are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to obtain the most up-to-date information about meal locations, serving times and dates.  2-1-1 can also provide referrals to food pantries and other resources if there is no summer-meal program nearby.

Many families whose children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches during the school year are not aware that they can also get free, nutritious lunches during the summer.    For instance, in recent years, only 30% of eligible children took advantage of free summer meals in San Francisco.

WHERE:
Meals are served at schools and community sites in many Bay Area school districts, including Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Concord, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Pinole, Pittsburg, Richmond, Rodeo, San Francisco, San Pablo, San Rafael, and Vallejo, just to name a few.  Most meal sites are located at or near schools that have 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.