News Articles Inland Valley Daily Bulletin: Report details services, gaps for SB County's 2-1-1 system
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin: Report details services, gaps for SB County's 2-1-1 system
September 30, 2008
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County's 2-1-1 system is bridging the gap between valuable information and people. "It's Google for social and health service information at your fingertips," said 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales of the 24/7 toll-free phone information system.
The Inland Empire United Way - which provides the service from its Rancho Cucamonga call center - held a conference Tuesday focusing on 2-1-1's second anniversary and the release of the annual report. The report detailed the types of service provided and service gaps, as well as how the system hopes to help the homeless.
The goal of the 2-1-1 system is to provide access, information and referrals services to residents of the San Bernardino County, as well as provide coordination support in times of disaster, either natural or deliberate, Gonzales said.
By dialing 2-1-1, residents can get information about cash aid, shelter, food, housing, medical care, utility bill payment assistance and more.
Gary Madden, 2-1-1 director for Inland Empire United Way, said one of the major issues facing San Bernardino County residents is simply getting from one place to the other.
"We really need up-to-date transportation in the county," he said.
Madden said some of the ways the issue can be addressed is by giving bus passes to people at senior centers or the library.
In addition to transportation, the report said residents' requests for cash aid, parenting education, tenant/landlord issues, housing and shelter are on the top of the list in the county.
With a 39 percent increase in the rate of homeless from 2003 to 2007, Isaac Jackson, Office of Homeless Services director in the county, said 2-1-1 gives hope to those who are homeless.
"And with the housing market going the way it is, it is going to play an even larger role in the homeless count in 2009," he said.
Since January 2007, 2-1-1 has received 10,852 calls requesting shelter and housing and 28,157 calls requesting financial help to avoid homelessness, the report stated.
"With the appropriate resources, we will be able to provide the homeless with supportive services, programs, outreach and even beds," Jackson said.
Gonzales said in order to bridge the gap between information, 2-1-1 needs to have appropriate tools and resources.
"We are constantly searching for more networks to help provide relief to members of our community," she said. "With the help of others, we will have an Internet of inner network capability."
Madden said 2-1-1 is a way for members of the community to get meaningful information and resources in a time when they feel they may not have any.
"If you don't know who to call and you don't have an emergency, call 2-1-1," he said.