2025 -- H 5234

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LC001020

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND

FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE

     Introduced By: Representatives Shallcross Smith, Handy, Furtado, Speakman, Noret,
Casimiro, Diaz, Cotter, and Kislak

     Date Introduced: January 29, 2025

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, Since 2007, the United Way of Rhode Island has operated and maintained

2-1-1 as a free and confidential service for all Rhode Islanders, one that is available 24 hours a

day, every day, 365 days per year, in nearly 200 languages and dialects that provides a direct

human connection to solve life’s most pressing problems; and

     WHEREAS, By call, text or chat 2-1-1, Rhode Islanders find assistance on everything

from housing to child care to health care services and food and shelter, as well as help with tax

preparation and utilities; and

     WHEREAS, Insights gained from 2-1-1 help multiple state departments by and through

the United Way of Rhode Island identify the changing needs of Rhode Islanders to better serve

our community; and

     WHEREAS, The 2023-2024 United Way of Rhode Island Community Impact Report

stated that more than 190,000 requests for help were received by 2-1-1 with the majority focused

on requests relating to help, stability, and resources; and

     WHEREAS, 2-1-1 plays a critical communications role during natural disasters or other

state crises; including floods and winter snow storms; and

     WHEREAS, The community as a whole benefits from 2-1-1 because it helps people

connect with the information they need, when they need it most, and increases efficiency by

helping callers define their needs and identify multiple available services; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated to the United Way, a Rhode Island

domestic nonprofit corporation, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), out of any

monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026, to provide

operational support for the 2-1-1 system; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed

to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may

be from time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND

FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United

Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.

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