10-R064

2010 -- S 2238

Enacted 02/11/10

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING "NATIONAL 2-1-1 DAY" ON FEBRUARY 11TH, 2010

Introduced By: Senator Juan M. Pichardo

Date Introduced: February 11, 2010

     WHEREAS, By dialing 2-1-1, people from Rhode Island to California can access free

and confidential social services offered by approximately 720 health and human services

providers, government agencies, and community-based organizations. This informational and

referral line is available in 175 languages and dialects, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,

throughout the year; and  

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, 2-1-1 information referral specialists have access to more

than 4,000 agencies and organizations, enabling them to help everyone get access to information

on the state’s health and human services; and  

     WHEREAS, Due to the economic downturn in 2008, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island

reported a dramatic increase in the number of calls from those seeking rent or mortgage

assistance, paying utility bills, and assistance related to a job loss; and  

     WHEREAS, Information and referral specialists in Rhode Island also address calls

regarding shelter and meal sites, substance abuse and gambling, dental and health care, and

elderly care; and  

     WHEREAS, Between January and December of 2009, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island

received 122,218 calls, up 20 percent from 2008; and  

     WHEREAS, The community as a whole benefits from 2-1-1 because the service helps

people connect with the information they need when they need it most. This service is private,

confidential, and provides an easy, visible, and non-judgmental entry point for people who need

to turn outside their families for help; and  

     WHEREAS, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island increases efficiency by helping callers

clearly define their needs and pointing them to the best places to seek help. This relieves some of

the burden on service providers by reducing the number of calls from people who either are not

eligible for their services or who are seeking services they do not provide; and 

     WHEREAS, United Way 2-1-1 plays an important role during natural disasters or other

state crises, with support coming from other state’s 2-1-1 call centers if Rhode Island’s call center

is unable to maintain operation; and  

     WHEREAS, Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that Rhode Islanders realize

there is help and United Way 2-1-1 can be their guide; now, therefore be it  

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby declares February 11th of 2010 to be “United Way 2-1-1 Day” in the State of Rhode

Island; and be it further 

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the United Way of Rhode Island.

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LC01697

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