Press Room: Redlands Daily Facts
San Bernardino County's 211 connects people with social services
By Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/25/2008 07:11:26 AM PST
For a moment, imagine how difficult it would be to browse the Internet without the help of a search engine such as Google.
Information that's usually a mouse click away suddenly becomes difficult and cumbersome to obtain.
Before San Bernardino County implemented its toll-free 211 hotline system, that's what it was like for people looking to get in touch with organizations that provide health, human and social services, said Gary Madden, director of the county's 211 service.
Connections to low-cost child and health care, drug and alcohol counseling, services for people with disabilities, aging adult services and many more can all be obtained by dialing 211, Madden said.
The system connects county residents to nearly 1,000 community agencies that provide more than 2,000 health and human service programs at a low cost or no cost, Madden said.
When calling, a person simply tells an operator what they need, the operator then performs a key word search and refers the caller to an organization that provides the service they need. Altogether, the process takes about three to four minutes, Madden said.
"Supervisor (Josie) Gonzales likes to call it `Google at your fingertips,"' said Lisha Smith, Gonzales' deputy chief of staff. "Her office is a strong supporter of the 211 system."
Since it started in 2006 the system has grown to take about 80,000 calls this year, Madden said. About 60 percent of calls are for basic needs, such as food or rent and utility payment assistance, Madden said.
In the past year, requests for food have spiked, Madden said, but he didn't have a number to quantify the increase.
In the current economic climate, a resource like 211 could be the difference between homelessness and hunger or being able to pay another month's rent and put food on the table, Smith said.
The system is a partnership between the county and Inland Empire United Way.
United Way funds the majority of its cost. County and state governments, and private organizations also contribute to its operating costs, Madden said.
Since it's only two years old not all phones can reach the system by dialing 211. Those affected should call (888) 435-7565 to access the system toll free.
michael.sorba@inlandnewspapers.com
(909) 386-3872