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Sunday, March 1, 2009

Help is three digits away

Do you 211? Have you ever heard of it? Didn't think so. Most people haven't. 211 allows you to access information on all the helping resources in your area for your particular issue. It is funded through the United Way. Have an elderly neighbor that needs help with fixing meals? 211 has an answer for that. Not sure if you can afford to make your home energy efficient and struggling with those high heating costs? 211 can point you in the right direction. Have a cousin struggling to pay her bills and pay child care costs? 211 can tell you where to find some assistance.

Accessing 211 couldn't be easier. Simple dial "211" on your touch tone phone or, go to the 211 website here. The website will tell you if 211 is available in your area and if there are any alternative phone numbers available.

In today's difficult times, it is important that we create our own local "safety nets" and be there for each other. Even if the economy has not affected you, chances are it has affected someone you know. There are resources in your community to help, and often times, those resources go under utilized. Many people, particularly the elderly, don't know where to turn for help, or are embarrassed to ask for help.

211 can help locate resources for basic needs such as food, medicine, housing and utilities. They have access to local employment programs and resources. Their expertise covers local daycare resources, to help with an aging parent. Have a child with ADD? They can help with that. Need to know tutoring programs or local after school programs? They can help. They can even help you find local volunteer opportunities and ways to make a difference in your community.

Pull together with your friends, family and neighbors to create a community that cares. Know someone struggling? Give them the 211. One simple phone call can be all that it takes to lend a helping hand.