211 information and referral system launched in Arkansas
Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008
LOWELL - Arkansas became the 17 th state this week to have a simple, three-digit number that connects residents to community services and volunteer opportunities.
On Thursday, United Ways across the state launched the 211 information and referral system.
Representatives from the United Way of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas Public Service Commission introduced the new system for the 479 area code in Lowell on Thursday.
The system provides a free, easyto-remember number that connects residents with these services and opportunities. Individuals and families seeking social services can call 211, a nationally recognizable number that makes a connection between callers and the appropriate communitybased organizations and government agencies, to allow them to get the help they need.
Users can also go to www. arkansas 211. org to access the same service.
"As we know, Arkansas has a large rural population that does not have access to a large human-service network," said Nathan Cook, executive director of the Arkansas 211 system. "Not only will it help getting much of this information out, but it will identify what services are needed most around the state."
Cook explained that thousands of evacuees from Hurricane Katrina are still living in Arkansas and need access to these services, which include food banks, shelters and utility assistance; and mental-health, employment, disability and senior-care services.
To reach the service, people simply need to dial 211 on their phones. The free call will immediately connect them to a call center, which will then connect them with the agency providing a particular service.
Arkansas 211 will be managed by the United Way of Arkansas Board of Directors and will be funded through local United Way contributions, foundation grants and private donations. The Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Foundation provided the seed money for the system through a grant of $ 600, 000, which has been matched by other contributors and United Way services.
The annual operating budget for the system is estimated to be $ 1. 4 million per year, said Angela Tilley, immediate past president of the United Ways of Arkansas. Two call centers will be operated in Arkansas - one in Pine Bluff and one in Springdale - through a partnership with the statewide Crisis Center.
"At the United Way, we're in the business of solving problems - community problems and individual problems," Tilley said. "(The 211 number ) will touch the lives of every person in the state, whether he or she is in a situation where they need help, or they're in a position to give help."
Cook said that currently, 95 percent of the state is covered by the 211 phone system, but 211 system officials are working with all phone companies to allow for 100 percent coverage.
In addition, the 211 system will be accessible from 8 a.m. to 8 p. m., but plans are to make it available 24 hours a day in the next year, Cook said.
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