2-1-1: Changing Systems, Changing Lives
Our Vision:
WIN211 exists to make people’s lives better;
to enhance community resiliency;
to identify and break cycles of need,
and to help organizations, foundations, businesses, individuals and government
more efficiently distribute resources.
What is 2-1-1? 
(and more about 2-1-1 Aired March 17,2009 on KCTS 
- An easy-to-remember phone number for people to call for health and
human service information and referrals and other assistance to meet their
needs.
- 2-1-1 already reaches over 234 million people in the U.S.
– 78% of the population. In many communities the information about
services is also available through a searchable online database.
- There are 244 active 2-1-1 systems covering all
or part of 46 states (including 31 states with 90%+ coverage) plus
Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.
As of September 2008 9,300,000 Canadians -- more than 28% of the population --
have access to 2-1-1.
- 2-1-1 is standards-driven: All 2-1-1 call centers must meet the
quality assurance standards of the Alliance of Information and Referral
Systems (AIRS). These standards include training, quality assurance
procedures, effective management practices, and program evaluation.
Why is it important?
- 2-1-1 is an integrated system that provides simple access to the
variety of essential services people need to lead healthier, more
productive lives.
- 2-1-1 provides real-time tracking of community needs, allowing
policy makers and funders to make informed decisions about resource
allocation.
- 2-1-1 builds community by connecting people with the programs and
agencies who can put their donations and volunteer time to good use.
Who supports 2-1-1?
- United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral
Systems are leading the effort to develop a nationwide, integrated 2-1-1
system.
- In Washington State, the Legislature designated the Washington
Information Network 2-1-1 (WIN 211) as the lead
organization to plan, develop, implement and support a 2-1-1 network.
2-1-1 supports effective emergency response
- 2-1-1 can take calls from volunteers or people who want to make
donations during a crisis, allowing first responders like the Red Cross
and Salvation Army to focus on the relief effort.
- In the aftermath of 9/11 the Connecticut 2-1-1 call center aided
the immediate response effort and continues to take calls for families and
survivors who need support two years after the tragedy.
- 2-1-1 call centers are linking together to create a redundant
system – if one call center goes down, others will be online to provide
unbroken access to accurate information to anyone who needs it.
How can you help?
- In September 2003, Senators Elizabeth Dole and Hillary Clinton
introduced the “Calling for 2-1-1 Act” to provide ongoing federal funding
for 2-1-1. Federal funding is key to sustainable 2-1-1 service. Please
contact your Senators and Congressional representatives and ask them to
support Senate Bill S 211 and House Bill HR896. More about the legislation
Learn more