News | Article
from Victorville Daily Press
If you’re in need, call 2-1-1
Twenty-four hour system refers callers to agencies
By Beatriz E. Valenzuela, staff writer
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY (October 8, 2007) - When Angela
Sparks of Hesperia was looking for help to feed her two young
twin boys when she lost her job, she picked up the phone and
dialed 211. “A friend of mine told me about 211,” said Sparks,
“and how they helped her when she needed it.” Sparks was
referred to The Lord’s Table on Sixth Street in Victorville. She
said if the need arose, she would use the system again. “It’s
nice to know that there is a place to call whenever you need a
little help.” Since its inception a year ago, San Bernardino
County’s 211 system has taken more than 23,000 calls, with a
good portion coming from the High Desert.
The 24-hour 211 information resource that started on Sept.
20, 2006, refers callers to various agencies including those
that provide basic needs, disaster information and education.
According to the Inland Empire United Way’s 211 first year
report, the High Desert accounted for 5,551 calls to the center
which makes up 23.3 percent of the total inquiries.
The cities of San Bernardino, Fontana, Rialto and Colton
turned in 9,085 total calls. The program is handled by the
Inland Empire United Way with support from the county and First
5 of San Bernardino.
“The High Desert makes up the second highest number of calls
to 211,” said Christine Briggs, executive director of Desert
Community United Way in Apple Valley.
“This information lets us know that there is a very real need
for services in the High Desert,” said Gary Madden, IEUW 211
director.
The report also shows that the majority of inquiries to the
call center — 68.1 percent — involved basic needs such as
utility and rent assistance, shelter and food.
Briggs said, “211 is great because instead of us trying to
refer people to numbers that are no longer good or agencies that
currently do not have funds, people can get the help they need
for their situation.”
But 211 is not just a hot line for those who need help with
basic needs. Residents can receive information about health
care, education, consumer services, mental health care and
counseling and disaster information.
“When the big earthquake hits, you’ll be able to call 211 on
your cell phone and find out where the nearest shelter is,” said
Madden. He sees 211 as an important part of San Bernardino
County’s infrastructure.
“911 is our first-tier emergency system and 211 is our
second-tier system,” he said. “211 is not a program, it’s a
system. It’s a public utility. And with the right backing and
support from other agencies we can make it the best system for
information.”
While Los Angeles and Orange counties have had their 211
programs in place for two years, San Bernardino’s 211 has been
seven years in the making.
“It’s almost like this county is emerging from the wild, wild
west and we’re now realizing the need,” said Madden, adding that
it took a lot of work to see how the program would be funded and
what organization would be able to handle the load.
See
photos.
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