Testimonials
On my way home I needed to pick up some items and dashed in a liquor store and about half way through I found myself crying! A homeless man asked me what the problem was and I said, “They are going to pull the plug on my dad tomorrow and I can’t even contact the doctor to talk to him about it!” The homeless man, said “Oh, you need to call 211, they will help you.”
And I said “They can’t possibly help me with this.” The homeless man said “Oh yes, they help with just about everything!” So the next morning I called 211 and someone on the line said they would help me. He called somewhere on my behalf with me and right after that the doctor called and we made a plan for my dad to recover…he is 81 years old now, in a wheelchair, but I have my dad… and I have 211 to thank.
Press Releases
First Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System
November 9, 2011
Washington, D.C.
2-1-1 California announced today that on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern standard time, the Federal government conducted the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test lasted up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows was interrupted as the system was being tested. 2-1-1 California would like to ensure that 2-1-1 information and referral providers in California and the larger public were aware that this event was just a test, and not a real emergency alert.
In the event of an actual emergency, 2-1-1 systems throughout the State will be used to distribute critical information to the public, helping to ensure Californians know what steps to take in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency to safeguard themselves and their loved ones.
Read more: First Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System
CPUC Action Would Ensure 100% 2-1-1 Coverage For All California Residents In Times of Disasters and Emergencies
2-1-1 Available to Provide Timely, Critical Non-Life-threatening Information in Times of Disaster. Will Help Reserve 911 for Life-saving Emergency Calls.
September 13, 2011
San Francisco, California
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) last week voted unanimously to approve a petition from 2-1-1 California to ensure 2-1-1 will be available to connect all Californians to vital information and referral services in times of disaster. Currently, 2-1-1 is available 24/7, 365 days a year in 30 counties, accessible to 91% of all Californians. But many rural communities do not have access to 2-1-1. The action will enable 100% availability of 2-1-1 to California residents in the event of a disaster or emergency.
2-1-1 California strengthens disaster response support capabilities
2-1-1 California Selects Five9 for Network Call Center Operations
Pleasanton, California
August 25, 2011
Five9, the global leader in cloud-based call center software, announced today that after undergoing a competitive bidding process, 2-1-1 California, the statewide network of local 2-1-1 information and referral providers, has selected the Five9 Virtual Call Center as its call center platform.
Read more: 2-1-1 California strengthens disaster response support capabilities
2-1-1 California on Track for New Technology Solutions
Los Angeles, CA
March 16, 2011
2-1-1 California continues its progress to add call-routing and data-sharing applications for its referral network.
Since January 2011, 2-1-1 California has been testing and evaluating data-sharing and call-routing solutions. Our goal is to present a set of recommendations to the 2-1-1 California Board, and eventually for consideration to the statewide collaborative network.
Read more: 2-1-1 California on Track for New Technology Solutions
California Tsunami Warning Response
Los Angeles, CA
March 11, 2011
The network of 2-1-1 providers in California is currently responding to calls related to the tsunami generated by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan. The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCTWC) issued a Tsunami Warning for the California coast. 2-1-1s are preparing to respond to potential coastal flooding.
For the latest information, please visit the California Emergency Management Agency.
Resolution Recognizes California 2-1-1 Day
Sacramento, CA
February 11, 2010
The California State Assembly presented a resolution, authored by Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, which recognizes February 11, 2011 as statewide 2-1-1 Day.
"2-1-1 service is a critical resource to connect people in need to services in their community," said Speaker Pérez
2-1-1 is an incredible resource for California residents. Trained specialists provide a confidential assessment and referral to local resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in over 150 languages. 2-1-1 is a one-stop-shop to literally hundreds of local services that are a lifeline for struggling families.
2-1-1 California Receives Federal Grant to Increase Internet Access and Use
Los Angeles, CA
A coalition of California nonprofits led by the California Emerging Technology Fund will work to bridge the technology divide in vulnerable and low-income communities.
2-1-1 California announced today that it had been awarded more than $1 million in Federal Recovery Act funds to help increase awareness, access to, and adoption of broadband high-speed Internet connections by those Californians least likely to connect: low income, rural, Latinos and limited-English speaking, and people with disabilities.
Read more: 2-1-1 California Receives Federal Grant to Increase Internet Access and Use
February 11th is National 2-1-1 Day
Los Angeles, CA
February 11, 2010
February 11 (2-11) is officially “2-1-1 Day” in recognition of the free, confidential, easy to remember phone number that connects California residents to essential community information and services such as healthcare, rent and mortgage assistance, food and shelter, job training, transportation, childcare, senior care, veteran services and much more.
In 2009, local 2-1-1 call centers answered 1.6 million calls for help, and that number continues to grow as more Californians have access to this invaluable referral service. This 2-1-1 day, Nevada County will officially launch its local 2-1-1 service, further expanding the reach of this service to more and more Californians.