Source: YourErie.com
By: Elena LaQuatra
May 23, 2017
ERIE, Pa. - ERIE, Pa - After years of efforts, the United Way of Erie County is launching it's 2-1-1 Information Services program.
It's essentially the social service equivalent of 9-1-1.
2-1-1 is a free, accessible, and confidential three digit telephone number available for anyone to call when they assistance.
Trained information specialists will answer callers questions and be able to connect them to customized health, housing, and human services information.
They can assist with directing callers to child and youth services and drug and alcohol counceling, for example.
The program ensures that callers are directed to the appropriate agency without wasting time searching for information.
The information and referral service will be available in Venango and Warren Counties.
Multilingual and hearing-impaired callers can also be accommodated.
This vital community resource is currently available to 93% of Americans nationwide.
"Oh, it's going to be a huge help! Because we have heard at community forum after community forum that Erie County is rich in social services, but because we didn't have a hotline, nobody knows how to find those social services. It typically takes people between 6 and 8 calls to find the right agency that can help them with the right service."
For now, professional resource navigators will respond to callers' inquiries Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. The service is expected to be available 24/7/365 by the end of 2017.