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WIN
2-1-1
United Way of Benton
and Franklin Counties has been collaborating with many local and state
organizations for about four years to bring the 2-1-1- telephone information and
referral system to Benton and Franklin Counties. It was launched on February
22, 2006. 2-1-1 is
now operating in 38 states and serving over 55% of our nation's
population. It is
designed to connect people with important community services and volunteer
opportunities. 9-1-1 is the parallel service that has existed for several
years connecting people to emergency services.
The benefits of having a 2-1-1 Call
Center in our state and region are far reaching:
- 2-1-1 is a cost-effective answer to help
people navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies
and programs;
- People can cut through red tape to
gain access to a full range of community resources from a call center staff
person;
- 2-1-1 encourages prevention and
fosters self-sufficiency and civic engagement;
- Employers can provide employees with
one number to call whether they have a question or need support in a crisis;
- 2-1-1 connects volunteers with agencies
and programs needing assistance;
- 2-1-1 can be used as a community
planning tool by using aggregate data about the types of calls a 2-1-1 Call
Center receives to anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to
meet changing needs; and
- 2-1-1 can be a back-up for 9-1-1 in
the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
The Washington Information Network
2-1-1, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was charged by the State Legislature to
lead the effort to establish 2-1-1 services in Washington. People For People,
a multifaceted not-for-profit organization in Yakima, has been designated by WIN
2-1-1 as the Greater Columbia Region's 2-1-1 Call Center. The estimated
startup and first year operating costs are $427,000 to launch 2-1-1 in February
2006 in the first 5 counties of the 12 county region (Benton, Franklin, Walla
Walla, Yakima and Kittitas). It is estimated that one-third of the funding will
come from the federal government, one-third from the State and one-third from
local communities through donations, grants, private dollars and United
Ways. Locally, Benton and Franklin Counties' portion of this
$427,000, based on the five-county population, is $54,459. The following
organizations have contributed funds over the last few months resulting in this
$54,459 goal being achieved:
United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties - $20,000
Pasco-Kennewick Rotary - $500
United Way Donor Designations - $1,187
Benton/Franklin Co. Health-Safety Networks - $500
City of Kennewick - $15,000
Kennewick Kiwanis - $500
Columbia Center Rotary - $500 and $8,671
Pasco Kiwanis - $500
Franklin County - $6,140
Sunrise Rotary - $211
Human Services Coalition - $750
Richland Rotary - $500
At the federal level the "Calling for 2-1-1 Act"
(S211/HR896) is being considered by Congress which could result in $2.5-3 million
per year for our state. Last July the Washington State Legislature approved $1,000,000 for
for capital development and expansion to implement 2-1-1 in our state.
And, they just approved another $2.5 million of funding for
ongoing operations of 2-1-1. The Gates Foundation also recently awarded
$1,000,000 for our state's call centers. Fundraising at all levels will be
continuing.
For additional information, please
contact Beverly Weber of the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, at 509-783-4102, or by
e-mail at bweber@unitedway-bfco.com.
Another contact person is Marilyn Mason-Plunkett with People For People at mmp@pfp.com.
Information is also available at www.win211.org.
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