211 New York, Inc.

??HUGE NEWS: The 2024 #NYSBudget allocates $2.4 million for the 211 network in New York State! We're thrilled to see funding included to ensure our vital information and referral service can continue operating 24/7/365! We extend a thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Senate, and the New York State Assembly for investing in the 211 network and the communities it serves. We're especially grateful to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, and Senator Pete Harckham for their tireless advocacy on behalf of 211. Thanks to you, 211 can connect individuals and families to the health and human services they require, from food and housing assistance to mental health resources.

We Need Your Support! 211 New York, Inc. and United Way of New York State is advocating for increased funding for 211 New York, a vital lifeline that connects people to essential services like housing, food assistance, mental health support, and disaster relief—24/7, free, and confidential. Last year alone, 211 played a critical role in helping New Yorkers navigate emergencies, including tornadoes and flooding. Join us in urging Governor Hochul & the Legislature to invest 2.8 million in 211 and ensure every New Yorker has access to the help they need. Learn more and take action today! https://lnkd.in/eap-Jcy9 #Fund211NY #UnitedWay #CommunitySupport #211Helps #NYStateBudget

It's official, it's #211Day in Buffalo! Executive Director of Citizen Services Oswaldo Mestre Jr. presented the official proclamation to Dawn Vanderkooi of VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement, Trina Burruss of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, and Kelly Dodd of 211 New York, Inc. and United Way of New York State on behalf of Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon. ED Mestre was very thoughtful about how 211 is such a powerful tool to provide equal access to services in the community. It's not about who you know, who's in your network, or what rooms you can walk into, it's about knowing the right number to call when dealing with life's challenges! 211 - community health & human services 311 - city services 911 - life and safety emergencies 988 - mental health crisis

It’s after 7p. You may be at home after a hard day at work, leaving what didn’t get done today until tomorrow. Not 211 - the staff at 211 are still hard at work answering calls and giving assistance 24/7/365 because the problems don’t call it a day at 5pm and neither do we. 211 knows that the best time to call is when you have time to call, whether that’s after work, or after you’ve put the kids to bed. 211 understands a new set of challenges may face you at home, putting food on the table, paying the heat, finding after school care for your kids and support for your aging parents. Challenges especially hard for ALICE families. 211 Community Resource Specialists provide caring, compassionate help identifying needs and local solutions to your specific situation. When you need expert, caring help to solve life’s challenges, call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. #211Day #Team211 United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties United Way of Central New York United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region United Way of Greater Niagara United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes United Way of New York State United Way of the Greater Capital Region United Way Northern New York United Way of the Southern Tier United Way Southern Chautauqua County United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Westchester and Putnam United Way of the Mohawk Valley United Way of Rockland County United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Goodwill of the Finger Lakes Institute for Human Services, Inc.

Like our neighbors to the northwest said, life is hard, finding help shouldn't be - call 211 available 24/7 across New York State, US, and Canada. #Team211

Need help finding extra support? ?? There are several state and federal benefits available to help you with housing, utilities, food, and medical expenses. Some benefits differ by state, but a good place to start is using the Benefit Finder on benefits.gov. Simply answer a few questions and you'll receive information about benefits you may be eligible for. For help, call 2-1-1!

211 & United Way of New York State proudly stands with New York Can End Child Poverty at their rally, advocating for vital policies that strengthen support systems for children and families. We support Gov. Hochul & New York State’s audacious goal to reduce child poverty by 50% by 2032 and look forward to the passage of the transformative package the New York State Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) will be voting on December 18th. This package includes essential measures such as increasing the Earned Income Child Tax Credit, creating state housing vouchers, boosting public assistance benefits, and providing food assistance to income-eligible families, including those with noncitizen members. Together, we're committed to reducing child poverty and creating a brighter, more equitable future for every child in New York! ??Visit https://newyorkcan.org for more information

?? Severe Weather Safety Tips ?? With temperatures dropping, and winter and heavy snow on the horizon, it's crucial to stay informed on the latest weather warnings. Here are some top ways to get updates: ?? Follow and check https://loom.ly/qptzg98 for official watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service. ?? Sign up for NY-Alert (www.nyalert.gov) to receive free emergency notifications via text, email, phone and more for your area. ?? Monitor local media outlets like @SPECNewsNY1 and @NY1 on TV and their apps for up-to-the-minute weather alert coverage. ?? Use weather apps and sites like @AccuWeather that provide push notifications when NWS warnings are issued near you. ?? Follow your trusted local emergency management and government accounts for critical updates. When severe weather strikes, being prepared and heeding all warnings can save lives. 211 is here 24/7 to connect you to resources across New York if needed.

Happy #ElectionDay! Be sure to check your local board of elections to find your correct voting center. Polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM. Get out and vote to make your voices heard! Visit https://loom.ly/WT4-T8s or call 211 to find your voting center!

As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, it's important to be aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Reduced sunlight during the colder months can lead to symptoms of depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing SAD, call 211 for help and be connected with the support and resources you need!