13-R056

2013 -- H 5349

Enacted 02/07/13

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

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 11TH OF 2013 TO BE UNITED WAY 2-1-1 DAY IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, Slater, E Coderre, O'Brien, and Shekarchi

Date Introduced: February 07, 2013

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

Day on Monday, February 11, 2013; 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, seven days a week throughout the year; and

     WHEREAS, In 2012, over 208,000 calls were received by 2-1-1, an increase of more

than 3,000 calls from 2011, and representing a dramatic uptick in the number of calls from Rhode

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

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

during natural disasters or other state crises, as evidenced by the 6,682 calls received as a result of

Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012; 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 36,799 seniors, adults with disabilities, care

givers, and health service providers in 2012; and

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

because the organization 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 by connecting 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 that 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, 2013, to be “United Way 2-1-1 Day” in

Rhode Island; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Paola Fernandez, United Way of Rhode Island.

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LC00998

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