HelpLine is the only centralized, network in our service areas that provides comprehensive information and referral via 2-1-1 or 1.800.684.2324 (Delaware: 740.369.3316; Morrow: 419.947.2520; Union: 855.833.3696), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Last year we assisted over 11,808 callers with referrals. As we celebrate 2-1-1 Day on February 11, it is a good time to celebrate our community’s support of each other and to renew our collective willingness to advance the common good.
The 2-1-1 Information and Referral (I&R) System connects people with vital human services through an easy-to-remember three-digit phone number, a free online directory with over 4,000 resources and a variety of community interactions. 2-1-1 utilizes specially trained information and referral specialists who work with the individual to analyze what services are needed and available to them and provide a direct connection to those services.
“Callers can make an average of eight phone calls to different numbers before finding the services they need, with 2-1-1 they make one call and can receive multiple referrals.” says Sue Hanson, HelpLine Executive Director. Information provided through 2-1-1 includes such services as:
- Basic human needs resources food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance, foreclosure assistance;
- Physical and mental health care, Medicaid, Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs, medical information lines, crisis intervention, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation;
- Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities (adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services);
- Children, youth and family support (childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services).
In 1998, the Federal Communications Commission designated 2-1-1 as the three digit number for access to community services and 2-1-1 is now available to 90% of the U.S. population. In 2000, OhioAIRS, the state I&R association, successfully established 2-1-1 in Ohio, so that this valuable service could be offered throughout the state. HelpLine was the first agency in Ohio to publicly launch 2-1-1 services in 2002. Since the inception of the 2-1-1, millions of people throughout Ohio have utilized the service for easy access to local resources. HelpLine’s 2-1-1 service is funded by the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, United Ways of Delaware, Morrow, and Union Counties, various grants and private donations.
Learn more about 2-1-1 in Delaware, Morrow, and Union Counties by visiting www.helplinedelmor.org or www.unioncounty211.org. Just dial 2-1-1 or Delaware: 740.369.3316; Morrow: 419.947.2520; Union: 855-833-3696.
