14R-068

WHEREAS, United Way of Rhode Island is formally commemorating National 2-1-1 Day on Tuesday, February 11, 2014; 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 2013, over 213,000 calls were received by 2-1-1, an increase of more than 5,000 calls from 2012, and 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, 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 Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby declares February 11, 2014, 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.