Eshoo calls for national 2-1-1 number

Dial 2-1-1 on your telephone in Silicon Valley now and you get nothing. That's something U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-San Jose and others in Congress would like to change.

Ms. Eshoo is a co-author of legislation which would provide funding for 2-1-1 telephone centers, which would connect callers with information on social services.

"It's time to end the confusion in our communities on how people can quickly access the help they need," Ms. Eshoo says. "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 non-profit organizations."

The proposal would see the federal government spending $200 million annually to match 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.