If the sagging economy is hitting you right where it hurts, these three numbers might be the best ones you have ever dialed: “2-1-1.”
OK, I know that you don’t have a rotary phone. Punch the number, then (punch it hard — it might make you feel better). But, if you need help, make the call. At least visit the 2-1-1 Center website to find out more.
Y’all, no matter what the news media says, around my neck of the woods the economy is not on the mend. Everywhere I turn I talk to folks who have been “downsized” out of their jobs. I hear people say that they are having trouble paying all the bills, or that their unemployment or their COBRA is about to run out. Some need more education to get a better job, but can’t afford it. Other folks my age are dealing with trying to stretch their monetary resources and their time far enough to assist their aging parents and take care of their own children.
For many of these people it is the first time in their lives they have had to ask for help. They don’t know what services might be available, and they have no clue about who to even ask. This can be so demoralizing and downright depressing!
Ask the 2-1-1 center!
Currently, 47 states have some access to this service. Go to the 2-1-1 search page and type in your zip code. It will list the local agency responsible for the 2-1-1 calls. Click on that agency’s link to find out what services are available in your area.
“The 2-1-1 center is spearheaded by United Ways and information and referral agencies in states and local communities. United Way of America (UWA) and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) strongly support federal funding so that every American has access to this essential service.”
If you or a loved one is in need of help, remember that there is no shame in it! Everybody needs a little help somewhere down the line.
If you want to give help, you can find out about that at 2-1-1, too! Just put in your zipcode, go to the site for your local agency, and type “volunteer” in the search box. You’ll get a list of ways you can help.
Or, you can donate to the United Way — or you can write your Congressman and express your desire to see extensive 2-1-1 services available to all Americans in fifty states! That would be a good thing to do.
This is my contribution for Only The Good I post that on Fridays, along with some other fine folks who post now and again. If you post about “the good,” let me know and I’ll add you to this list.
RV Poetry; Candid Karina; All My Great, or Not So Great Adventures; Inside Mo’s Mind; Thorne’s World; Down River Drivel; Duward Discussion; Ramblings of an Unstable Mind; Insightful Nana; Newbie Lifeline; Everyday Tarot; West of Mars; Life’s Journey; Round Circle; Barbara’s Travels; Blog of Revelation; Desert Diva; Blogjem
Y’all tell me something good in your world … visit some of those folks above … and have a weekend filled with good.
Other posts you might enjoy:
{ 14 comments }
Great and necessary post. There are a lot of problems out there and knowing where to go for help is sometimes half the battle.
Sometimes just knowing that there IS help is enough to get us out of the dumps and looking for solutions. It’s hard to look for solutions when you feel isolated.
what a great informative post! thank you
.-= Dianne´s last blog ..Ahhh, Love To Link You Baby … =-.
Pass it on! The more people who know about it, the more chance they will use it
That is some serious good, girly!!
.-= Thorne´s last blog ..Awards =-.
Indeed, I heard about it on NPR and felt I needed to post it. Hope more people do, so folks find out about it!
Okay girly… Thornie’s got her good on this week! Muaaah!
.-= Thorne´s last blog ..Work is Good =-.
That is really a good thing you posted this information – good reminder and many people we know may find comfort or learn info they missed on 2-1-1. Thank you Shelly!
.-= Ellie´s last blog ..Round =-.
It would be wonderful if nobody needed it, Ellie. But I sure hope that those who DO need it can FIND it!
Good information to share, Thanks!
.-= Spadoman´s last blog ..Good stuff, posted on Friday 08/21/2009 =-.
Wow, that’s great!! I haven’t heard of 2-1-1 at all! I wonder if we have it here..I’m going to check. I think it’s fantastic that there’s a single number that can steer you to help if you need it.
.-= Jessica The Rock Chick´s last blog ..Who Wears Short Shorts? =-.
It would be really great if ALL of the services of 2-1-1 were available all over the US. Sometimes just having a place to call for answers is all in the world you need. But, the help they can steer a person to is magnificent!
Hi, Shelly,
Thank you for the blog on 2-1-1! I work for United Way of America (now UW Worldwide) to provide support to 2-1-1 providers and help extend the reach of 2-1-1 across the country.
UWW has a page on “Advocate for 2-1-1” that your readers might find helpful if they want to get their members of congress on board with the proposed legislation to extend 2-1-1 services to all fifty states and from any types of telecommunication device (currently not all cell phone or internet-based phones can access their local 2-1-1 provider).
Again, I appreciate your help in getting the word out about 2-1-1!!
Y’all do marvelous work! I hope more bloggers will hop on the bandwagon and spread the word.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 2 trackbacks }