2-1-1 Riverside County

Established July 1, 2005, 2-1-1 Riverside County, a program of the Community Connect (formerly Volunteer Center of Riverside County), has beenthe program for linking people to the services they need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The 2-1-1 Riverside County Resource Database stores detailed information about community agencies andthe services and programs they provide. Over 800 non-profit and governmental human service agencies with more than 2000 programs are listed in this database.

Community members can dial 2-1-1 toll-free, from any landline in Riverside County (and some wireless providers as well), when they have a need. On the other end a number of trained Information/Referral Specialists expertly match the caller's need with the best resources in the caller's area.

The goal is not to become a clone of 4-1-1, but rather to ascertain how best to help the caller receive what she/he needs. Sometimes in asking questions the Information/Referral Specialist can discover a need the caller had not identified initially and help meet it as well.

2-1-1 provides callers with information and referrals to health and human services for every day needs, and in times of crisis.

For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:

• Basic human needs resources including food, clothing and shelter

• Physical and mental health resources

• Drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation

• Employment support including job training and transportation assistance

• Support for senior citizens and people with disabilities

• Support for children, youth and families

• Childcare services

• Legal help

• Hospice Care

• Summer Camps and recreation programs

• Protective Services