August 23, 2002 Contact: Janice Parks – CSA/Office on Aging (714) 834-6896 or Karen Roper – H&CD Homeless Prevention (714) 480-2841 or cell 423-8315
NATIONAL 2-1-1 INFORMATION AND REFERRAL NUMBER TO BECOME AN ORANGE COUNTY RESOURCE The Free, Easy-to-Remember Number For Human Services
SANTA ANA, Calif., August 8, 2002 – In an effort to help the community easily access critical connections with appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies, a 2-1-1 Information and Referral Calling System will be developed for Orange County. The County of Orange Community Services Agency/Office on Aging (OoA) and the County of Orange Housing and Community Development Department (H&CD) are working with Info Link and the Community Development Council in an effort to get the 2-1-1 system started in Orange County. These four agencies are known as the 2-1-1 planning collaborative. The 2-1-1 system will become the link to essential community services for anyone needing health and human services information, especially people who are most vulnerable including the elderly, disabled, non-English speaking, the homeless, and others incapacitated by crisis. Once in place, this new number will save people from having to search for telephone numbers to find organizations that can help with needs such as senior information and assistance, after-school programs, food banks, shelter, housing, crisis intervention, home health care and much more. 2-1-1 will enable callers to get the information they need with just one call. The 2-1-1 collaborative has been organizing countywide planning meetings since the fall of 2001. Through an inclusive community input process, a 2-1-1 Steering Committee has been formed. This 12 member committee represents the following public/private agencies: American Red Cross, Whittier Law School, Children & Families Commission of Orange County, Santa Ana Police Department, Animal Assistance League of Orange County, Orange County Rescue Mission, Orange County Department of Education, Volunteer Center of Orange County, -more- Info Link Orange County, Community Development Council, County Office on Aging and the County Housing & Community Development Department. “Orange County is known for its successful public/private partnerships. The County’s Office on Aging and Housing and Community Development Department continue to work hand-in-hand with the community to provide improved services to the residents of Orange County. 2-1-1 is another example of County government partnering with the community for a better Orange County,” said Cynthia P. Coad, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already nationally designated 2-1-1 for universal access to human services information and referral. By doing so, the FCC is permitting states to take the next steps in implementing 2-1-1. Several states and counties are already using the 2-1-1 number and many more will follow. Recently, the OoA hosted the first Steering Committee meeting and will continue to play a leading role in every aspect of Orange County’s 2-1-1 number until its completion and successful implementation. “It seems only logical to provide those in need with streamlined access to existing services by eliminating confusion and frustration,” said Pamela Mokler, executive director of the County’s OoA. “Once this 2-1-1 number becomes a reality here in Orange County we will be able to help the people that really need assistance and that is a truly exciting milestone. ” The OoA provides resources to nearly 400,000 seniors throughout the county via its Information and Assistance 800-510-2020 number Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Translation service is available via the line to assist non-English speaking callers. Other direct programs offered include Community Outreach and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The Office on Aging also supports a 40-member Senior Citizens Advisory Council that serves as advisor to the Board of Supervisors on all matters affecting senior citizens in Orange County. www.oc.ca.gov/aging. The Housing and Community Development Department provides a wide variety of affordable housing programs and services, including the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, loan programs for affordable housing development and/or home improvement, grants for public services, and other programs that preserve and expand affordable housing opportunities, strengthen economic viability and enhance the livability of neighborhoods. www.oc.ca.gov/housing/. For more information, contact Janice Parks, Manager Public Information, OoA at (714) 834-6896, or Karen Roper, Manager of H&CD Homeless Prevention Programs at (714) 480-2841 or 423-8315 (cell). ###