Original Source: Kokomo Herald
By Dean Hockney
The United Way of Howard County’s 2-1-1 information and referral service is a lifeline for the community. 2-1-1 is an accredited service that was designed as a one-stop shop for residents in Howard, Tipton, Miami, Clinton and Cass counties to seek information concerning job training, educational resources, housing and food assistance, services for veterans. And during disasters, 2-1-1 becomes a central hub, providing information on how to give and get help.
As the 2-1-1 motto says, “One call. One search. One visit. Tons of information.” But now, the motto can add “One text” as the United Way launched a text messaging service. By texting your zip code to TXT211 (898211), residents can start a conversation with a qualified 2-1-1 operator between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The text message feature is one more way United Way 2-1-1 is engaging the community and responding to rapidly growing need,” said Cheryl Graham, the United Way of Howard County 2-1-1 Director. “Oftentimes, residents find it difficult to place a call or access a system online, so sending a text message allows them to communicate in another way. United Way 2-1-1 has always been a one-stop resource for obtaining information and referrals to thousands of state and local health and human service programs. Now, accessing help is faster and easier than ever.”
Calls to the 2-1-1 information and referral system have grown each year. In 2015, 15,080 contacts to 2-1-1 were made by residents with a Howard County zip code, and another 4,101 were made from the counties of Cass, Clinton Miami and Tipton. Of those, 44 percent were first-time callers and 705 were first-time web users. Of those, 61 percent said their issue was resolved and 90 percent of users said they would call again if needed.
While then numbers show 2-1-1 is serving its purpose, it also indicates that more can be done.
“It is a double-edged sword; we are getting the word out that the service is available, but that also means people still need help,” said Beth Rattray, communications director for the United Way of Howard County. “The need is rising in our community and we have more work to do.”
Rattray said the United Way continues to add technology to its traditional walk-in services.
“Last year we started the website, so you don’t necessarily have to call or visit but can scroll through our services,” she said. “And now we are getting bigger with better services. And the launch of two-way texting will allow people to text in questions to our operators.”
TXT211 is not a substitute for 9-1-1 (emergency services), 4-1-1 (telephone directory assistance) or other specialized hotlines or automated recordings. TXT211 supports individuals with hearing/speech impairments or they may also call 7-1-1. For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.unitedwayhoco.org.