January 12, 2006 (Cleveland, Ohio)
In 2005 for the first time ever, United Way of Greater Cleveland's 211/First Call For Help (FCFH) referral line received over 100,000 calls from Greater Clevelanders. Last year, 103,236 calls were placed to 211 from Cuyahoga and Medina Counties, a 9.3 percent increase over 2004.

211 is a convenient, easy to remember way to navigate the maze of over 1200 health and human service agencies in Greater Cleveland, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By analyzing calls made to 211, 211/FCFH is used as a planning tool that helps anticipate and meet Greater Cleveland's future health and human service needs.

Of the 103,236 call received last year, 10,377 requests were for food pantries, up 65 percent in the past five years; almost 10,000 were for utility assistance, up 41 percent over last five years and calls from people seeking employment increased 219 percent over the last five years. 211 is often a vital lifeline for people in need from the mother seeking help for her child to seniors who are seeking home delivered meals.

"First Call For Help has been a part of this community since the 1950s; however in the last few years there has been a tremendous increase in its utilization, with call volume up 78 percent since 1999. With growing demands on the health and human services safety net, 211 has become a critical way Clevelanders find and use those services," Michael Benz, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Greater Cleveland, says.

United Way's 211/FCFH, builds coalitions with community groups and governments. For example in 2005, 211/FCFH has become the call center for programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, The Fatherhood Initiative and Affordable Housing and Foreclosure Prevention initiatives.

Today, 211 can only be accessed from landlines; cell phone users must call 216-436-2000 to access 211's services. United Way's 211/FCFH has spearheaded a statewide effort that by June will add direct access to 211/FCFH from cell phones across Ohio.

United Way of Greater Cleveland, in conjunction with United Way of America, has been encouraging the creation of a national 211 network, with legislation now before the United States Congress (HR 896 and S 211). "With the passage of this legislation and the introduction of 211 cell phone access, we anticipate even greater usage of 211 across our region and throughout the entire country," said Stephen Wertheim, the Director of United Way's 211/FCFH, says.

United Way is the host and one of a dozen community partners that fund 211/FCFH. Leading funders include the Cuyahoga County Commissioners, the Cuyahoga County Department of Senior & Adult Services, the Cuyahoga County Department of Health, the Department of Employment & Family Services, the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, the Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services Board, the Family & Children First Council, the Medina County Commissioners, the Medina County United Way, and the Plain Dealer Holiday Spirit Campaign.

United Way of Greater Cleveland's mission is to be a leading convener and funder of partnerships focused on solutions for Greater Cleveland's health and human service needs. It is the largest private funder of health and human service programs in Greater Cleveland and has been a part of Greater Cleveland's community since 1913.

For media support, please contact David Levey at United Way at 216-436-2122 or dlevey@uws.org. For more information about United Way's 211/FCFH please visit 211cleveland.org.