New Jersey’s citizens are turning to www.nj211.org for information and solutions.

With over 33,000 visitors to the site since January 1, 2008, primary needs continue to be expressed through searches pertaining to housing, food and financial assistance.

Archives

NJ 211 Offers Tax Related Resources That Bring Refunds to New Jersey’s Neediest Taxpayers - With April 15th drawing near, state and federal tax returns are on many minds. There are several programs designed to assist families with an annual income of less than $39,783. Find out about the Earned Income Tax Credit; the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and VITA locations throughout the state; see if you qualify for an H&R Block discount coupon; and learn about other tax-related assistance programs. Click Here

Fearing Foreclosure? Learn About Resources that May Help - In keeping with the NJ 211 focus on current issues, a new page was recently added to our Web site that includes abundant information and helpful links to useful resources. Learn about organizations and programs offering solutions to people facing foreclosure; access a listing of HUD approved housing counselors; get information on mortgage refinance programs, mortgage assistance programs for active military personnel and programs specifically designed for those whose mortgage was recently reset; and more. Click Here

Special Needs Registry Pilot Program Initiated in Four Coastal Counties - NJ 211 is proud to partner with the Offices of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as they begin a pilot program to register people with special needs who are living in coastal communities in Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean or Monmouth counties. While qualified residents can register online, they may also call NJ 211 for assistance with the registration process and additional information on this program, designed to improve emergency response to people with special needs. Click Here

Pilot Program, Improving Access to Mental Health Resources, Goes Statewide – On March 3rd, sixteen mental health facilities from the southern region of NJ were added to a password-protected database that can be accessed by mental health professionals throughout the state. By logging into the database, at www.nj211.org, professionals can now gain easy access to real-time information on the availability of beds in residential treatment facilities statewide. Putting this kind of technology to work improves communication between professionals and ultimately leads to better care for people in need. It also significantly reduces Emergency Room waiting time. This is another example of how NJ 211 provides vital connections that lead to efficiencies and better care for New Jersey’s most vulnerable citizens.

A Commitment to Efficiency and Compassionate Assistance to Those in Need - NJ 211 recently released a Request for Proposals to support a new 2-call center model to begin July 1, 2008. Equipped to independently handle the many inquiries we receive from residents throughout New Jersey, each center will be capable of supporting the full operation if one center is closed due to an emergency disaster. “We are looking for efficiencies in every area of our operation, while still being fully committed to providing compassionate assistance to those who are trying to find solutions to some very tough, real-life problems,” explains Tom Toronto, Chairman of the NJ211 Partnership and President of Bergen County’s United Way.

NJ 211 is representative of a 2-1-1 system that is now available in 45 states throughout the country, assisting 75% of the national population. It is easy to understand why it works so well. Rather than expect citizens to know how to navigate and get the most out of a vast, and often confusing network of health and human service resources, the system asks them to remember three numbers: 2-1-1. Once they connect with an NJ 211 client resource specialist, they are in the hands of a capable and caring professional with a statewide database of resources within reach, and an understanding of how to help clients find solutions.

“Talk about an efficient system,” exclaims Mr. Toronto, “With NJ 211 you have a realistic way of ensuring that we make the most of New Jersey’s social and human service resources. You put people who are searching for solutions, in direct contact with the very people who can help. This is a system that puts an end to people falling through the cracks. Instead it lifts them up with compassion, helps them find a resource that was designed to assist them and ultimately leaves them standing on their own two feet. It makes perfect sense from a financial and humanistic point of view.”