[ad_1]
RED BLUFF – In the face of tough times, there are groups collaborating to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thousands of people each year in Tehama County use the 211 system to locate help for a number of needs.
The 211 program is a free live and online 24-7 information and referral service for residents of Tehama County. People can call 211 or go to the 211 websites and receive information regarding food, housing and utility assistance, child care, senior services, drug, alcohol, and mental health services, job training and employment programs, crisis hotlines, disaster services, and much more.
211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the United States. According to the United Way, “It’s powered by people: thousands of caring, local experts are available to help, 24/7. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.”
About a half dozen representatives of helping groups and organizations gathered in person and via zoom Wednesday afternoon at Tehama Together on Hickory Street for an annual update of the 211 services. The meeting was led by Amy Forrest, Certified 211 Database Specialist for United Way of Northern California. She provided updates about grants, a discount prescription card program, low-cost internet, safe school programs, tax preparation help and outreach programs, to name a few.
Lia DiMillo-Gray, a member of the board of directors since 2017, said according to the web searches and calls, food and housing are always at the top of the list for needs.
“We can receive accurate, timely information and callers can receive the help without leaving home,” DiMillo-Gray said. “The types of referrals we offer include food, housing, mental health, health care, personal items, clothing, utility assistance, legal help, public safety, disaster services, transportation and income tax help.”
Nischa Gall, Red Bluff High School Family Outreach Liaison, attended the meeting to learn more about services to offer to local families in need. Students whose basics needs are not met can often face extra challenges in learning and retention. Tina Brown, Director of Operations for Community Service Programs, provided information about senior programs and volunteering at the Wednesday meeting.
The group of meeting attendees was as diverse as the needs of local citizens.
The 211 network in the United States responds to more than 18 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats, emails and texts are from people looking for help to meet basic needs such as housing, food, transportation and health care.
Callers can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs; shelter and housing options and utilities assistance; emergency information and disaster relief; employment and education opportunities; services for veterans; health care, vaccination and health epidemic information; addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs; re-entry help for ex-offenders; support groups for people with mental illnesses or special needs; a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse.
For more information, visit tehamatogether.org.
The post Meaningful connections: February is 211 Month appeared first on J&Y Law Firm.
[ad_2]
