Nevada social services help line gaining popularity

Nevada 2-1-1, a help line sponsored by a coalition of 14 local nonprofits, has received more than 100,000 calls since February 2006, helping residents find information and resources within their communities.

The toll-free referral line helps locals in need of resources for physical and mental health as well as other social services, says Stephanie Hawkins, a spokeswoman for Nevada 2-1-1.

When a person dials 211, an operator -- in one of two call centers in Northern and Southern Nevada -- asks what he or she is looking for, Hawkins says. The operators have access to contact information for each agency that provides services for that need, such as employment support services, food banks, shelters and senior support centers, among others.

Because so many organizations provide services to locals in need, people often found it frustrating to track them down, Hawkins says. The 211 line gives them a one-stop clearinghouse for information.

The idea was launched in 1997 by United Way in Atlanta and is now operating in 32 states, Hawkins says. In 2000, the number was established by the Federal Communications Commission as the nationwide number for nonemergency information and referrals.

Each state is responsible for its own line. The annual $720,000 budget for Nevada 2-1-1 is funded by local and state grants.

Service is now available to 99.5 percent of Nevadans, 8 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, excluding holidays, Hawkins says. Those with Internet access also can receive referrals through the Web site, nevada211.org, 24 hours a day.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or (702) 380-4564.