United Way
of Forsyth County Launches 2-1-1
One phone number connects Forsyth County to community services, volunteer
opportunities, and programs.
Through a collaboration of United Way of Forsyth County,
United Way of Metro Atlanta, United Way of America and the Alliance of
Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), Forsyth County residents now have one
number to call to get help…2-1-1. An easy-to-remember telephone number that
connects callers with free information about important community services,
volunteer opportunities and support for community crisis or disaster recovery.
Launched on May 1st, persons in Forsyth County can now dial 2-1-1 to receive
information and referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in
times of crisis. The service will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
with operators equipped to speak Spanish as well as English. .
“Every hour of every day, someone in Forsyth County needs
essential services—from substance abuse assistance to emergency financial
assistance to a warm meal,” said Ruth Goode, Executive Director of United Way of
Forsyth County. “People often don’t know where to turn and sometimes go without
those necessary and readily available services. United Way’s partnership with
Metro Atlanta’s 211 services will fulfill a need in our community.”
When a caller dials 2-1-1, a trained operator answers the
phone, assesses the caller’s situation, and taps into a comprehensive database
to locate appropriate services. For example, the 2-1-1 operator can offer access
to basic human needs resources, like food banks, clothing closets and shelters,
in addition to physical and mental health resources, employment support systems,
resources for children and support for older Americans and persons with
disabilities. The operator may offer to intervene on the caller’s behalf, or
suggest contact information and solutions to other needs the caller may have
mentioned.
Spearheaded nationally by United Way of America and the
Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), 2-1-1 is an
easy-to-remember telephone number that connects callers with important community
services and volunteer opportunities. 2-1-1 builds Forsyth County’s capacity
to strengthen the way people access help and engage in civic life. United Way of
Forsyth County is excited to offer this service to the community. United Way
2-1-1, get connected, get answers.
To download a PDF version of our 211 Help List, please click on
one of the links
below.
