United Way 2-1-1 Continues to Respond to Hurricane Needs

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Support for local United Ways funds hurricane relief efforts nationally and in Connecticut

ROCKY HILL, CT -- Recent natural disasters have resulted in United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 supporting relief efforts both nationally and in Connecticut. Thanks to support from Connecticut United Ways and the State of Connecticut, 2-1-1 Connecticut has provided direct relief, helped coordinate relief efforts and is now working as part of the State's Emergency Management Unified Command response to support those evacuated or displaced by recent and tragic natural disasters.

As part of a national network of 2-1-1's, 2-1-1 Connecticut handled hundreds of calls from people in Texas seeking help with hurricane recovery and worked to connect Texas residents with resources such as food, drinking water and disaster relief information.

In response to Hurricane Irma and at the request of United Way Worldwide, Connecticut 2-1-1 assumed the role of resource coordinator for those affected by Irma. A website used by 2-1-1's across the nation to find information and make referrals for Irma victims was immediately created by 2-1-1 Connecticut. To-date, this website has received over 6,000 views and continues to be updated with new information for the benefit of Hurricane Irma victims.

Currently 2-1-1 Connecticut is working with the State of Connecticut's Emergency Operations Center to help provide access to services and community resources to those who have been evacuated or displaced as a result of Hurricane Maria. Support from local United Ways helps 2-1-1 Connecticut respond during times of great need. Local United Ways support 2-1-1 while continuing to invest in persisting challenges within their communities.

Connecticut United Ways stand ready as a system to be responsive to community, statewide and national efforts to supports those struggling, in particular those who have family, friends and loved ones facing hardship in Puerto Rico.

Households that suffer the greatest during disasters are also those that are faced with the daily struggles associated with financial insecurity. For ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, there is no paycheck or subsidy coming in the mail when low-wage hourly workers have to leave their homes and jobs and communities. Their financial stability is already fragile and they do not have resources to rely on in times of crisis. This demonstrates how critical our efforts are in supporting ALICE today in our own neighborhoods and community. Because of your financial support and volunteerism, we continue to find ways to help ALICE thrive.

2-1-1 Connecticut will continue to update various eLibrary papers on Harvey, Irma, Maria and the earthquake in Mexico. These papers are available at www.211ct.org (https://uwc.211ct.org/recent-natural-disasters-click-for-information-way...) and contain continuously updated information on relief work, ways to help and supports for people impacted by these natural disasters.
2-1-1 Connecticut is a program of United Way of Connecticut. Our work is made possible through support from the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways.

About Connecticut United Ways
Connecticut United Ways advance the common good by creating opportunities for all, with a particular focus on education, income/financial security, health, and basic needs - the building blocks for a good quality of life. We engage people and organizations throughout our communities who bring passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done, and we invite everyone to be part of the change.

About 2-1-1 Connecticut
2-1-1 Connecticut is a free health and human service information and referral service, with a continuously updated database of more than 4,000 agencies and 40,000 programs and services. Free, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year online at 211ct.org and over the phone by dialing 2-1-1. 2-1-1 Connecticut serves as a gateway to emergency/disaster preparation, response and recovery services and is the statewide vehicle for information collection and dissemination. 2-1-1 Connecticut has organizational accreditations from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), and the contact center is certified by the American Association of Suicidology for crisis intervention.

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Contact:

Richard J. Porth, CEO
United Way of Connecticut
860-571-7501
Richard.Porth@ctunitedway.org

Website: www.211.org; ctunitedway.org

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