Published October 2005

211 telephone system
is a welcome addition

Thanks to seven years of leadership effort by Bill Brackin, program director for the Volunteers of America’s Community Information Line in Snohomish County, Washington state is joining 32 others in the national 211 telephone system that deals with social emergencies like the 911 system provides a resource for more dire situations.

In February, the system will begin operating in Snohomish County, staffed by the VOA Community Information Line people who have been helping people find community social services for the past 17 years. What’s more, the center will serve callers from Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties as well.

United Way will be distributing 65,000 cards announcing the program on Feb. 11, written in both English and Spanish.

All too often, people who need to find a food bank, shelter, clothing, counseling or other services don’t know where to look. The 211 system provides that information with a single call. A 211 call also will find information about where to donate cash or items for social service agencies, or where to volunteer your own time.

Emergencies such as the hurricane destruction in the Gulf Coast states already have proven the worth of the 211 calling system, which now serves more than 137 million people in America. People have found services, assistance, shelter and family members through the service.

Thanks to many caring people in Snohomish County, the 211 service will soon be available here.

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