2-1-1 Fact Sheet

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number that connects individuals with resources in their community.

·         Missouri has about 30,000 nonprofit organizations & scores of government agencies, making finding help confusing and intimidating.

·         2-1-1 call centers are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek.

·         2-1-1 is available 24/7, with multilingual capabilities.

2-1-1 enables people to get help or give help. 

·         Information is available on a broad range of services, including rent assistance, food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.

·         Volunteers and donors also can use 2-1-1 to find out where their service or donations are most needed and appropriate.

2-1-1 benefits the nation.

·         A national 2-1-1 system produces cost savings for taxpayers, employers and government, an estimated $130 million in the first year (according to a 2004 University of Texas at Austin analysis).  A conservative estimate puts the savings at $1.1 billion over ten years.

·         As of Feb. 1, 2007, 2-1-1 is available to more than 196 million Americans – more than 65% of the U.S. population.

·         There are 209 active 2-1-1 systems operating in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Supporting 2-1-1 benefits a community.

·         Instead of Missouri residents struggling through a maze of phone numbers and agencies, 2-1-1 becomes the number to call for resources in their community.

·         Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government officials support 2-1-1 as a way to improve the lives of the residents in their communities.

2-1-1 enhances public safety and crisis recovery efforts.

·         2-1-1 gives 9-1-1 operators a place to direct non-emergency calls so they can focus on life-and-death situations.

2-1-1 is a private-public partnership. 

·         United Way 2-1-1 in Missouri is funded through a $4.75 million grant by Missouri Foundation for Health for start-up and operational costs, and a $3.75 million investment from United Way of Greater St. Louis for operational costs.

·         Other Missouri United Ways working together on this project include: United Way of Central Missouri, Columbia Area United Way, United Way of the Ozarks, United Way of Southeast Missouri, United Way of Adair County, United Way of the Mark Twain Area, Callaway County United Way, Carthage Area United Way, and United Way of St. Francois County.  

Locally: Information and Referral Line

·         During the 2006 summer heat wave and power outage in St. Louis and surrounding communities, the Information & Referral line manned by United Way of Greater St. Louis took an estimated 18,500 calls in 11 days assisting people with their basic needs.