Mid-Valley helpline offers access to services

Origianlly published on StatesmanJournal.com

The local Mid-Valley 211 network joined the rest of the country Feb. 11 to commemorate National 211 Day.

Mid-Valley 211 is an easy-to-remember number that helps local callers get connected to community resources such as food, shelter, health care, job training, transportation, senior care, energy assistance and veterans' services. It's free, confidential and available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in English and Spanish languages. Translation services are available in up to 150 languages. The Web site — www.211info.org — offers a comprehensive listing of current community resources.

During times of disaster (such as the recent flooding) or a public health emergency, 211 serves as a source of up-to-date, authoritative information that guides residents to resources and recovery.

The first 211 number was assigned to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta during May 1997. Today, more than 83 percent of the population in the United States has access to a 211 helpline.

Twenty Oregon counties — including the Mid-Valley's Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties — have 211.

During 2010, Oregon residents turned to 211 more than 260,000 times — via phone or Internet. By 2013, 211 will be statewide.

With many individuals and families seeking help for the first time, Mid-Valley 211 has become an essential tool for the community.

During the last quarter of 2011, 4,912 residents of Marion County sought help via the 211 telephone line or its website, 211info.org. In Polk County, 647 residents sought help, and in Yamhill County, the number was 1,126.

Callers' top needs for the three counties were consistent: electric service payment assistance, rental payment assistance, holiday program inquiries, health care concerns, immediate shelter needs, and hunger or food-stamp support.

One essential piece of the Mid-Valley 211 service is the ability to capture data about the unmet needs of the community. When a caller requests information about a service that is unavailable, or has a need that cannot be met within his or her local area, 211 is able to produce a follow-up report that reveals where gaps of service exist. This information is relevant to nonprofits, county and city governments, and the faith community. Data also reveals occurrences of overlap in existing programs.

Having a 211 helpline for our community means that we can help our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers get connected to the assistance they need, when they need it most. Having a national day for 211 reminds us that help is only three digits away — and that's something to celebrate.

Terianne Petzold is marketing and communications director for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Contact her at tpetzold@unitedwaymwv.org.