United Way’s 2-1-1 Launches New User-Friendly Online Search and Texting To Connect More Residents To Human Services
Capitola, CA (October 7, 2019) – United Way of Santa Cruz County has made it easier for Santa Cruz County residents to find answers to their questions about programs and services available to them, by creating a new, more user-friendly, category search on its 211santacruzcounty.org website.
“We’re really excited about the new look and targeted categories of the new 2-1-1 website,” says Kassandra Flores, United Way 2-1-1 Coordinator. “The website is another way to have 2-1-1 at your fingertips anytime, anywhere”.
The new website can be read in English and Spanish and includes 14 categories such as Housing & Homeless Services, Food, Children & Family, Seniors, Health Care, and Legal Assistance. The updated website features icons that lead users directly to 2-1-1 tips and categories of the most frequently-sought services.
In addition to the new user-friendly website, local residents can also use the new 2-1-1 texting option. Individuals simply text their zip code to 898211 and a local 2-1-1 specialist will answer the text, determine their specific needs and identify what local nonprofit or government agency will best meet their needs. The text will include the agency name, phone number, and other useful information needed (including hours of operation, sliding fee scales, etc.).
“More and more people use texting to communicate and now we can help more people find the services they are looking for through this new 2-1-1 texting option,” says Keisha Frost, CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County.
Since 2009, United Way has provided the 2-1-1 information and referral helpline in Santa Cruz County through a 24-hour free phone service (by simply dialing 211 or its website). The United Way 2-1-1 handles over 5,000 calls annually and looks to add thousands of texting and online search inquiries to those numbers. During disasters, 2-1-1 also provides important public information that frees up 9-1-1 to handle life-threatening emergencies.
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United Way of Santa Cruz County
United Way of Santa Cruz County works to create a healthy, thriving, and safe community for all. UWSCC is leading a movement to focus donated resources on programs that have significant impact within our county; to move the needle by addressing our greatest needs. For more information, please visit www.unitedwaysc.org