Press Room: Press Release
Whole county will now reach help with 2-1-1
California Public Utilities approves use of 2-1-1 number, IEUW begins building system
Rancho Cucamonga (February 17, 2006) – In an exciting step toward greater access to social services for all San Bernardino residents, The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved Inland Empire United Way’s application for 2-1-1 service this week. Inland Empire United Way, with additional support from Bank of America and the County of San Bernardino, will begin countywide 2-1-1 service in July. San Bernardino County residents will be able to dial 2-1-1 from landline phones, similar to dialing 9-1-1.
2-1-1 callers are instantly connected to a comprehensive database of social service providers through professionally trained 2-1-1 call center staff. Bilingual staff guide callers to appropriate social service agencies to receive services or volunteer. Currently, residents can use 2-1-1 San Bernardino County by dialing (888) 435-7565, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once the 2-1-1 number is working, the easily accessible, free service will be available 24 hours a day.
Community benefits for implementing a 2-1-1 system include a streamlined social service system, less service duplication, quality referrals, centralized disaster response, and reduced non-emergency calls to 9-1-1.
2-1-1 is a toll-free number that connects people from anywhere in San Bernardino County to a 24-hour service that provides information and referrals for health and social services in their area. Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) is the designated 2-1-1 service provider for the San Bernardino County. IEUW is a community partner that develops collaborations with nonprofits in an effort to streamline service delivery, leverage available resources, maximize contributions, and eliminate service duplication in the IEUW’s service area, which covers regions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
For more information, call Gary Madden at (909) 980-2857, Ext. 211.