South Sound 2-1-1 Provides a Lifeline to Those in Need

TACOMA, Wash.—Imagine your home had no heat this winter. Or even worse, you had no home. Or your child was diagnosed with developmental delays. Or your family didn’t have enough food to eat. Would you know where to turn? Knowing three simple numbers can be the key to finding help.

South Sound 2-1-1 is a free information and referral service operated by United Way of Pierce County. By simply dialing 2-1-1, just like you would 9-1-1, callers are connected to resources by real people who understand how desperate they might feel.

“It is very important that we can make that kind of difference and bring in that human connection when someone is going through what could be the worst time in their lives,” explained Renee Ghan, 2-1-1 Call Center Manager.

In 2013, over 83,000 people were connected to resources through South Sound 2-1-1. During the holidays, call volumes increase as people struggle to heat their homes, put food on their tables and provide holiday gifts for their children.

South Sound 2-1-1 serves Pierce, Thurston and Lewis counties and does more than just provide callers with agency names and phone numbers. They also offer compassion and help them find other services to help stretch their resources. Specialists at 2-1-1 are equipped to sign people up for the Basic Food program and also help them navigate the changing healthcare landscape. There are also staff members specializing in transportation and resources for military families.

“Making sure families are stable is one of United Way of Pierce County’s top priorities,” explained Dona Ponepinto, President and CEO of United Way. “The South Sound 2-1-1 service is a critical part of making sure they get the help they need.”

South Sound 2-1-1 addresses many issues for callers in crisis. Rent and utility assistance are among the top issues facing our neighbors in Pierce County. South Sound 2-1-1 also receives numerous calls for food, transportation, legal services, child care, health care and much more.

Each February, United Way of Pierce County advocates for this valuable service to be included in the state’s budget. Funding also comes from a number of grants and is paired with a staff of work-study students and volunteers to make South Sound 2-1-1 one of the most cost effective call centers in the state.

To learn more about South Sound 2-1-1 or United Way of Pierce County visit www.uwpc.org or call (253) 272-4263.