Ahomeless mother calling from the street. Asenior asking for healthcare assistance. A dad needing diapers for his newborn daughter. A veteran seeking transportation.

Over the past 10 years, over 750,000 calls – many like those above – have been answered by 211 San Bernardino County, a toll-free service providing health and social service referrals to local residents.

It was Sept. 20, 2006 that 2-1-1 was first dialed in our community. The call was received by United Way’s trained, compassionate staff that has since been available 24/7 for the past 87,600 hours.

On average, 211 has answered nine calls an hour – every hour – for the past 10 years. Caller requests range from food and housing to employment services, burial assistance to low cost dental care, drug addiction services to rebuilding a life after incarceration, and much more. Over 3,000 free or low cost services are available by calling 211 or visiting 211SB.org.

Clearly, the numbers are impressive.

But that’s really not what’s important.

Therry Hansen recounted her story of being at work when the police came to her home with a warrant and arrested her husband, plunging her into the confusing and difficult world of restraining orders, family court, and child support services. Upon learning about 211, Therry called and found help with food and utilities during a very challenging time.

“Thankfully, I was able to find work a couple of months later. But I do believe that if I had to worry about electrical bills and feeding my daughter, I might not have been able to focus on getting a new job, ” shared Therry.

Since then, Therry’s life has expanded beautifully, and today she is a CPA operating her own accounting practice.

United Way’s 211 has also expanded with the addition of specialists focused on the unique needs of veterans, families with young children, new mothers facing issues with lactation or maternal depression, and those facing homelessness or a housing crisis.

It has been an honor to help thousands of callers throughout the past 10 years, and over the next decade, we look forward to continuing to be that always available friend in a time of need.