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2-1-1 will be a
simple solution for getting help
Have you ever tried
to find help in human services and gotten lost in
the maze of agencies and services? The state has a
simple solution: 2-1-1.
No one likes to
think that they will need assistance, but there may
come a day when you or your spouse need long-term
care, help with prescription drug costs, help
finding appropriate housing or you would like to
volunteer in your community but you don’t know who
to call.
There will soon be
a simple solution to all those needs. By the end of
this year, you’ll be able to pick up the phone and
call 2-1-1.
Similar to the
9-1-1 emergency system, Minnesota is creating a
2-1-1 system for human services. The United Way of
Greater Twin Cities and First Call for Help
Minnesota are leading the way and collaborating with
government agencies and providers to create a
comprehensive database of human services. So, when
anyone anywhere in the state calls 2-1-1, they will
be connected to an operator who will assist them in
finding appropriate resources.
It’s a simple
number and simple call! 2-1-1 will be a free call
from your home or cell phone and is scheduled to
operate in all of Minnesota by the end of 2002.
Minnesotans will
call 2-1-1 to get information about:
• Long-term care
resources such as transportation services, housing
and chore assistance.
• Volunteer
opportunities.
• Food and
shelter providers.
• Child care
resources.
• Much more.
The phones will be
answered 24 hours a day, so families in crisis can
get helpful information immediately.
Minnesota’s human
services system can be complex and challenging.
People trying to get help can get frustrated –
calling around for different services, getting
numerous numbers to get an answer to one question,
looking for assistance in filling out forms for
programs and so much more. 2-1-1 will connect
Minnesotans to the help they need at the moment they
need it.
– Jim Varpness,
Executive Director,
Minnesota Board on
Aging
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