211 is a statewide social and human services resource patterned after
911 and 411 phone systems, where all callers are linked via a free telephone
number to resources and assistance simply by dialing 211. Although the program
covers 95% of the state of Arkansas, there are a handful of areas where 211 is
not accessible, and a toll-free number (1-866-489-6983)
will connect those callers to the same resources. Additionally, all
information for the 211 system is available at www.arkansas211.org. The program
is offered by the United Ways of Arkansas and in essence replaces the former
First Call for Help program. The program refers callers and web visitors
to agencies and resources for basic needs, including:
-
Food
banks, shelters and rent/utility assistance
-
Health
insurance programs, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling,
drug and alcohol rehabilitation
-
Employment
support
-
Support
services for children and the elderly
-
Volunteer
opportunities and donations
Initially, the phone portion of the program will operate 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In
the next 6 – 9 months, the 211 phone system will eventually operate 24 hours/day. The
Arkansas 211 program employs 20 staff at 2 call centers located in Pine Bluff
and Springdale. Callers will typically be connected to a local resource
(i.e. local calls go to the Northwest Arkansas call center). The system
also relies upon other state 211 networks, which would back-up Arkansas 211 in
the event of call center issues or an emergency causing a spike in calls.
The system is also mobile and can be operated remotely even in the case of
natural disasters. Contact information for the Arkansas 211 program (i.e.
to add services or organizations to the list, report problems or seek
information on the 211 program):
Arkansas 211
Nathan Cook, Executive Director (870-543-4926 or nathan.cook@arkansas211.org)
Henry Bass, Program Operations Manager (870-543-4917
or henry.bass@arkansas211.org)
211 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 255
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
www.arkansas211.org
We have posters, cards and brochures regarding the program, but also
should be prepared to use the database regularly or access it for individuals
contacting the Chamber who may not have phone or internet access to the
program. The program employs bilingual agents and also uses Language
Line, which can conduct 3 way calls to assist
callers in more than 150 languages. The local call center in
Springdale operates in partnership with the Crisis Center and can also take
suicide or other urgent emergency calls, providing counseling and case worker
assistance. Currently, there are nearly 8,000 agencies and resources in
the database and around 34,000 individuals have been assisted via the phone or
internet system since the program’s inception. Currently, the
program (calls and web) nets around 10,000 calls/month.
© 2008