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OPINION
With over 20,000 calls in its third year 211 is not exactly a well kept secret, but with only a vague notion of what 211 does I had to put in a call to Anne Beer at Pikes Peak United Way. Ann explained 211 is an information and referral service designed to connect people in the community to the agency that can lend them a helping hand. She was obviously thrilled about the annual increase in the number of people they have been able to help and the referral services they have available in their data base, including Pikes Peak Community Action Agency in Fountain. Locally, 211 is sponsored by Pikes Peak United Way. They serve a six county region, with the entire state covered by a total of seven call centers. The funding for this service comes from grants and trusts. Some are large national foundations but there are many local partners as well, including the Area Agency on Aging. Every call is free, confidential and they are bilingual. 211 is not an emergency service, callers are instructed in the initial greeting that if this an emergency to hang up and call 911. 411 is the basic directory service where you ask for a person or business by name, receive the number and pay the charge when your phone bill arrives. It may be worth the cost but you have to know exactly who you are looking for. When you dial 211 you are speaking with someone who can connect you to over 400 agencies with over 1200 services. The caller can explain the need and receive help finding resources. If the need is for help paying the utilities or there is no food in the house. If you need to find daycare, clothes for a job interview or medical assistance. When you don’t know where to turn, 211 is the clearing house. 211 employees know the agencies, both non-profit and government, and they know the constraints so when someone is referred to an agency they are aware of what the requirements are and have a degree of confidence they are being sent to an agency where they can receive help. For those with internet access they also have online help through United Way at www.ppunitedway.org, and they have opportunities for volunteers. An additional benefit is making the system available to the Office of Emergency Management. Should disaster strike, the public would be instructed to call 211 for instructions and updates keeping the 911 lines open for emergencies. No tax dollars, no agenda except helping people, that’s hard to complain about.
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