September 18, 2003

2-1-1 proposed as phone link between social services, those in need

Sentinel staff report

U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, and Richard Burr, R-N.C., were joined by U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton D-N.Y., actor George Clooney and leaders of United Way of America Wednesday in proposing legislation to enable states and local communities to create a 2-1-1 phone service for information on social services.

The Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003 is designed to end confusion on how people can quickly get in touch with the help they need, Eshoo said.

"Whether they’re looking for child-care programs, drug and alcohol treatment centers, mental-health counseling, or other important social services, this legislation will help create a one-stop shop supported by federal, state and local governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations," Eshoo said.

The bill authorizes $200 million annually in federal matching funds for public-private investments to develop and sustain 2-1-1 services nationwide. Among other things, funding may be used for planning and implementing 2-1-1, operating costs, technology upgrades, public awareness, and training and evaluation. To qualify for the federal grants, at least 50 percent of the total funding must come from non-federal sources.

Earlier this year, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to implement a 2-1-1 referral line for the state.

You can find this story online at:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2003/September/18/local/stories/09local.htm