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WIN
2-1-1
United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties
collaborated with many local and state
organizations for several years to bring the 2-1-1- telephone information and
referral system to Benton and Franklin Counties. It was launched on February
22, 2006, in the State of Washington. 2-1-1 is
now operating in 48 states and serving over 78% 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, was designated by WIN
2-1-1 as the Greater Columbia Region's 2-1-1 Call Center.
For additional information, please go
to www.pfp.org.or call 2-1-1.
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