United Way’s information and referral line 2-1-1 is now offering texting services. Users can text their need and ZIP code to 898211 and receive a list of resources that assist with housing, utilities, affordable child care, elder services, mental health issues and other critical needs. Within minutes, a United Way 2-1-1 information and referral specialist will respond to the initial message.
 
“This 2-1-1 texting service is the only one resource of its kind available in our area,” said Candace Poole, 2-1-1 Manager at United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “We want to meet people where they are. If texting is their preferred method of communication, we want to make sure they have access to the resources they need through that method,” she said.
 
This service is especially useful for prepaid cell phone users, who often have limited airtime minutes but unlimited texting.
 
2-1-1 is a free, 24-hour resource that helps people find critical assistance with most any health and human service need. United Way’s 2-1-1 provides access to crisis hotlines that offer immediate help for individuals who are dealing with suicidal thoughts, depression, drug addiction, family violence or any situation that overwhelms their ability to cope.
 
The service is available in English and Spanish.
 
“The texting service will be a tremendous asset for 2-1-1,” said Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “We’ve been anticipating the launch of the service for a while now, and we are excited to see the impact it makes on our community,” he added.