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News Articles | Media
Kit | FYI from 2-1-1
The 2-1-1 Update
October 2005
In the wake of the unimaginable destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina throughout
the Gulf Coast states, New Jersey 's 2-1-1 system was tapped by the United Way
of America to activate the United Way Hurricane Katrina Fund. In a moment
's notice, the Hunterdon 2-1-1 Call Center geared up to accept the generous
contributions telephoned in from throughout the country by individuals and corporations
wanting to help.
However, what began as a donation line soon became a life-line for survivors
and their loved ones desperate for information and assistance. There was
the U.S. seaman out in the Mediterranean frantically trying to locate his wife. There
was the mother of a college freshman sent off to school with nothing but a two
day change of clothes. And, there was the proud elderly woman caring for her
disabled brother. They had remained behind and now, without electricity,
all their food had spoiled.
The fund which has received $13 million in donations will help affected
communities with front-line disaster relief and long-term recovery.
1,176 families - they are the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and they have made
their way to New Jersey to start a new life. Now, they need help in taking
the next step. The horrors of being displaced can wreck
havoc, call 2-1-1. Compassion is at the other end of the line was
the message conveyed by Commissioner James Davy who urged evacuees to apply
for aid.
To ensure the most comprehensive response, 2-1-1 initiated personalized Care
Management services provided by the statewide network of Family Services agencies. The
added benefit is modeled on the trauma response services which had tremendous
impact after 9/11.
To date, 289 evacuees have been assisted. 66%
have chosen to work with Care Managers.
2-1-1 is also accepting requests for care management from providers currently
assisting evacuees such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, religious
congregations, and other community based support networks.
Financial assistance is the greatest need along with housing and employment. Feedback
regarding gaps in services and/or unmet needs is communicated back to the NJ
2-1-1 Partnership so that resolution may be pursued.
Some of the most desperate calls received by 2-1-1 are those requesting assistance
in locating safe and affordable housing. Often, resources are severely
limited or non-existent. In a compelling collaboration with the New Jersey
Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership is promoting www.njhousing.gov
as a solution. The newly launched website hosted by HMFA is an online tool for
finding and listing affordable housing, helping people with disabilities find
housing options, and obtaining housing information and links. A joint outreach
campaign begins in November.
Building on the successful launch of 2-1-1, New Jersey State legislators, for
the second year, have appropriated $350,000 in state funding for 2-1-1. The
effort was lead by Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D- Camden). The Department
of Human Services will match the appropriation with an additional $250,000 from
its departmental budget. 2006 funding will be used to sustain infrastructure
technology and strengthen quality assurance standards for customer service response.
The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership Board welcomes Anna Thomas, Chief of Strategic Development
and Digital Communications for the State Office of Information and Technology. Also
joining the Partnership Board is DHS representative, Colleen Woods.
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