WHITE PLAINS – New Yorkers seeking help for non-emergency situations often call the 2-1-1 Helpline network.
Local United Way organizations statewide operate the 2-1-1 Helpline which ensures that community resources centers can connect individuals with health and human service needs with the right agencies and programs.
In the final enacted state budget, a full restoration of the $2.4 million funding for the 2-1-1 Helpline New York network was included. State Senator Peter Harckham (D, Westchester) called the funding a “lifesaver.”
“The 2-1-1 Helpline combines shared services and public-private partnerships to help residents in so many ways, from paying bills and finding caregivers to providing information about disaster relief and pressing concerns,” said Harckham. “It is such an important asset for our local municipalities and state government, in terms of knowing what resources are available to bring certain assistance to our residents.”
The number of inquiries to the statewide 2-1-1 Helpline was up 153 percent in 2021 over figures from 2019 to over 15 million calls.
Tom Gabriel, president and CEO of United Way of Putnam-Westchester, who pushed to have the funding included in the budget spoke to the number of New Yorkers who benefit from the service.
“Two million New Yorkers rely upon the 211 Helpline each year during times of disaster or when looking for help with their basic needs,” said Gabriel.
