12-R093

2012 -- H 7475

Enacted 02/09/12

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

COMMEMORATING FEBRUARY 11, 2012, AS "UNITED WAY 2-1-1 DAY" IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, Serpa, Cimini, Malik, and Hull

Date Introduced: February 09, 2012

     WHEREAS, United Way of Rhode Island is formally commemorating National 2-1-1

Day on Saturday, February 11, 2012; and

     WHEREAS, By dialing 2-1-1, Rhode Islanders across the state can access free and

confidential social services offered by health and human services providers, government

agencies, and community-based organizations. This information and referral line is available in

175 languages and dialects, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week throughout the year; and

     WHEREAS, In 2011, over 205,000 calls were received by 2-1-1, an increase of nearly

23,000 calls from 2010, representing a dramatic increase in the number of calls from Rhode

Islanders seeking assistance with rental or mortgage payments, utility payments, and food; and

     WHEREAS, Members of United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island in partnership with the

Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs support the Aging and Disability Resource Center

(ADRC)/The POINT, which assisted more than 30,000 seniors, adults with disabilities, care

givers, and health service providers in 2011; and

     WHEREAS, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island also plays a critical communications role

during natural disasters or other state crises. Tropical Storm Irene alone resulted in 24,000 calls in

August 2011, with more than 4,000 additional follow-up calls made to people impacted by the

storm; and

     WHEREAS, The community as a whole benefits from United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island

because the service helps people connect with the information they need, when they need it most.

United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island increases efficiency by helping callers clearly define their

needs and connects them to the best places to receive help; and

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

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

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby declares February 11, 2012, to be “United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode

Island 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 Ms. Paolo Fernandez.

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LC01116

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