2-1-1 of Ottawa County is an information and referral system of
collaboration. 2-1-1 provides accurate and up-to-date information
about
health and human services to Ottawa County callers through a single
toll-free point of access. Trained specialists take calls 24 hours
a day, 7
days a week and can be contacted by dialing 2-1-1. Callers may
remain
anonymous.
2-1-1 of Ottawa County serves as a reliable source of information
to
individuals, professionals, and businesses inquiring about available
health
and human services in Ottawa County. By dialing the easy to remember
number 2-1-1, callers avoid the inconvenience of contacting many
different
agencies without receiving any answers or help. With 2-1-1, callers
can
obtain the most current information about how they may access the
assistance
they need.
2-1-1 receives approximately 900 calls monthly from those who
are in need of
community resources. The service is free to the caller. Interpreters
are
available to serve non-English speaking callers and wireless users
can
continue to contact 2-1-1 of Ottawa County via the toll-free number
(888)
353-6717. Over 3,000 services are listed in the 2-1-1 database.
Dialing 2-1-1 can link you to:
- Prescription
Expense Assistance
- Parenting Resources
- Mentoring Programs
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Substance Abuse Services
- Job Training and Assistance
- Senior Programs
- Utility Bill Payment Assistance
- Rent Payment Assistance
- Food Pantries
- Clothing
- Family and Individual Counseling
- Emergency Shelter
- Transportation
Caller requests are identified in the database by major
and sub-category classifications to efficiently and accurately
match
needs to services. 2-1-1 provides a countywide "snapshot" of
real time needs
as they occur. The data that is collected assists community leaders,
planners and funders with their efforts to develop creative and
effective
solutions to the presented needs (see Report Links). 2-1-1 data
was used as
the most current information available on requests for human services
for
the 2003 Greater Ottawa County United Way and Volunteer Center
Community
Assessment (see page 24).
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