United Way of Southwest Alabama and United Way of Baldwin County 

Announce a United Way 211 Collaboration

MOBILE, Alabama, October 29, 2008  - United Way of Southwest Alabama and United Way of Baldwin County announced a regional United Way 2-1-1 collaboration today. For the thousands of local residents needing help every day - from locating financial assistance during a family crisis, to finding adequate care for an aging parent, to searching for quality child care - 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number connecting the caller to a caring, trained specialist who can assess the caller's needs and link the caller to the right agency by utilizing a comprehensive database of services "Often individuals needing assistance don't know where to turn and sometimes go without those necessary and readily available services. United Way 2-1-1 continues to fill that gap," said Angelo Miller, Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Alabama. "With United Way 2-1-1, we're breaking down the barriers between those who need help and those who can help." 
 
Since April 2007, United Way 2-1-1 has logged over 19,140 calls. Of those calls, the top five referrals were basic needs, food, shelter, transportation and general counseling.
 
"Since the kick off of United Way 2-1-1 eighteen months ago, we have greatly expanded access to health and human services for the entire region," said G. Robert Baker, Jr., South Alabama President of Whitney National Bank and 2008 United Way Board of Trustees Chairman. "The referral system has become an integral part of our community safety net and the go-to resource for getting and giving help."
 
By combining both 211 centers, United Way is able to create the single, most efficient and cost-effective way to provide health and human service information to residents in Mobile, Baldwin, Washington and Clarke counties.   "The combined initiative will keep United Way 2-1-1 operating costs low, and still continue to provide services and resources our communities," said Brenda Lee, President of United Way of Baldwin County.
 
Currently there are 773 agencies and programs in the United Way 2-1-1 database. As non profits become more aware of this useful tool, the database should continue to grow. When residents call 2-1-1, they will be asked to enter their zip code which will allow the specialist to direct them to services within their area. 
 
Before, during and after Hurricane Gustav, United Way 2-1-1 operated around the clock and provided information to residents. Between August 29 to September 5 specialists logged over 3,000 calls.  During Hurricane Ike over 540 overflow calls from Louisiana and Mississippi were received by the UW 2-1-1 system from evacuees as they headed away from the storm. "Many, with the help of United Way 2-1-1 were able to find shelter and services in our community," stated Angelo Miller, Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Alabama. 
 
The merger of resources between United Way of Southwest Alabama and the United Way of Baldwin County will now provide four county regional coverage for United Way 2-1-1 under one roof.