On Monday, November 17, United Way of Chattahoochee Valley hosted a press conference for the launch of 211 United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, an information and referral line program.  211 UWCV is made possible by a grant from two private foundations.

Scott Ferguson, president & CEO of United Way, discussed the impact that 211 UWCV will have on our community. “Chattahoochee Valley residents will no longer wonder where to get information about nonprofit, government and faith-based resources,” said Ferguson. “All they will have to do is pick up any phone and dial three simple numbers – 211.”

211 UWCV callers can speak to a certified specialist that will link them to local community resources such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality child care and much more.  Residents can also search the comprehensive database online at www.211uwcv.org.  The program provides online and telephone access 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and is confidential, free, and available in multiple languages. Callers can also receive the information via text. The program serves Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Stewart, Talbot and Taylor Counties in Georgia.  Russell County AL is dually served by 211 UWCV and 211 Alabama. 

“As the United Way Board Chairman in 2012, my goal was to eventually have this program in place,” said Dr. Timothy Mescon, president of Columbus State University and former United Way Board Chair. “I saw a need for United Way to launch 211 to help provide resources for the residents of the Chattahoochee Valley.”

This local service will operate in partnership with 211 United Way Greater Atlanta (UWGA). Atlanta is recognized as the nation’s founder and leader in providing 211 services. With the addition of 211 UWCV, all of the major metropolitan areas are served by 211, and this service is available in 74 percent of the state.  Calls from our county residents will be directed to the call center in Atlanta, which will be constantly updated on issues in the Chattahoochee Valley. 

The program will also maintain relationships with emergency services in the area.  United Way is committed to its local programs and agencies and believes 211 UWCV is a beneficial tool for its partner agencies and all residents.

“We chose to partner with 211 United Way Greater Atlanta because it is a certified center with an experienced, well-qualified staff,” said Dr. Mescon. “The technology will enable this service to be provided so that there is no perceived geographical distance between the caller and the 211 staff.”

With a number of families in the Chattahoochee Valley living in poverty, some can’t afford basic needs.  According to 211’s web visitors, the most sought-after services are programs that help people pay their rent, keep their electricity on, put food on the table and receive low-cost health care.  In times of natural disasters or emergencies, 211, fields public calls for inquiries of evacuation routes, locations and resources 

“Imagine a scared, elderly person that is low on food, but doesn’t know where to turn can get assistance, or a person that has a health outbreak and wants to know if their family member is in danger,” said Ferguson.  “Specialists will be able to direct these people and help them get assistance.”