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2-1-1 Maine. Get Connected … Get Answers. What is 2-1-1?. A partnership between Ingraham (YAI), United Ways of Maine and the State of Maine Launched July 2006 in Maine Statewide database and website, www.211maine.org. 2-1-1: Nationally. UW Atlanta: first 2-1-1 call center (1997)
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2-1-1 Maine Get Connected … Get Answers
What is 2-1-1? • A partnership between Ingraham (YAI), United Ways of Maine and the State of Maine • Launched July 2006 in Maine • Statewide database and website, www.211maine.org
2-1-1: Nationally • UW Atlanta: first 2-1-1 call center (1997) • Connecticut: state-wide system (1998) • FCC approval (2000) • 2-1-1 is currently operational in 46 states (including 33 states with 90%+ coverage), D.C. and Puerto Rico – plans are underway in the remaining states. • Maine: 33rd state with service & 15th state to have statewide coverage (July 2006)
Why Call 2-1-1? • I need to know where in my area and when seasonal flu shots are being offered. • I work at a women’s shelter, and am looking for a source of holiday presents for kids who won’t otherwise receive them. • I have a friend who is depressed. Where can I refer her for help? • My elderly father in another town is having difficulty taking care of himself. What services are available in his community to enable him to stay in his home? • I just lost my job and need temporary help paying for heating oil.
Benefits of 2-1-1: What It Means For Maine • 211 helps people connect with appropriate services • A centralized, statewide database • Easy to remember and simple to use • 24 / 7 / 365 phone coverage by live I & R Specialists • Emergency response support focal point • Statewide community planning tool • Identification of unmet needs • Top call categories
Resource Coordination, cont. • Connects with agencies once profiles are live to assure information is accurate. • Makes presentations to community groups & professional organizations. • Develops and distributes issue-specific publications which address needs & highlight the availability of 211.
United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s Role • First Call established in 1993 • Active in statewide collaborative • Participate on Advisory Board • Share Governance • Provide Funding • Regional Resource Coordinator
Top 20 Call Categories, Brunswick-HarpswellDecember 2009 • Heating Assistance 49 Utilities Assistance 6 • H1N1 Virus Information 39 Sexual Assault Services 3 • Mental Health Services 12 Legal Services 3 • Christmas Programs 11 Public Health 3 • Basic Needs – Food 11 Substance Abuse Services 3 • Seasonal Flu Information 7 Financial Assistance – Rent 3 • Transportation 7 Income Support - • Unemployment 3 • Financial Assistance – • Temporary Aid 6 Income Support - SSI/SSDI 3 • Housing/Shelter 6 Government Agency – DHHS 3 • Support Group Information 6 Poison Control 2
UWMCM & 211Maine • A “two way street” • Agency and service information in 211 supports UWMCM inter-agency initiatives • UWMCM products enhance visibility • Our knowledge of community agencies and services enriches 2-1-1 Maine • Supports the identification of unmet needs
Resource Coordination • Outreach to community providers to publicize 2-1-1 Maine and identify services. • Populates the 2-1-1 Maine database, and keeps information current to enable Call Specialists to accurately identify all appropriate services. • Works closely with United Way staff and agencies to provide needed information
Resource Coordination, cont. • Makes presentations to community groups and professional organizations. • Develops and distributes needs-specific publications which address needs and highlight the availability of 211. • Resource coordinator is available to callers when 211 call specialists have exhausted database resources.
Multicultural Coordinator • Works with outside agencies to obtain multicultural resource information and enters it into the database. • Provides outreach to new American communities about 2-1-1 Maine. • Provides assistance and training to Resource Coordinators and Call Specialists.
(UWMCM) Increase in Needs FY 2008 to FY 2009 • Utilities Assistance (up 240%) • Rent (up 39%) • Basic Needs-Food (up 35%) • Legal Services (up 30%) • Housing/Shelter (up 18%) • Financial Assistance (up 14%)
Community Feedback • “Thanks, I will put it in my newsletters from now on.” Jill at Coastal Enterprises • “(We)would like to include the “Quick Card” in one of our billings for the Brunswick/Topsham area. We have roughly 600 customers in the Midcoast area.” Cathy at Maine Natural Gas • “Everytime I write about this list (at least twice a year) I get so many comments from readers. They post the column on their fridges.” Gloria at Times Record. • The Bath Career Center says that the Community Directory is one of the most important pieces they have to distribute in a career meeting.
Find Help www.211maine.org Accessibility: • By telephone, cell phone, and digital phone • Utilize TTY for the Deaf and Tele-Interpreter services for callers who do not speak English • Through the www.211maine.org website • Instate/out-of-state toll free number 1-877-463-6207 to assist family members looking for resources for relatives living in Maine Contact information: • Dial 211 (TTY accessible) • Fax: (207) 775-4034 • Email: info@211maine.org • Mailing address: 2-1-1 Maine PO Box 1868 Portland, ME 04104