211 number to launch in Merced, Mariposa counties

A team of nonprofits and public agencies are planning a kickoff event for a catchall phone number – 211 – that’s meant to connect anyone with services they need.

The Mountain Valley 211 Program is a referral and information system. By dialing 2-1-1, callers in Merced and Mariposa counties will be able to access specialists who can refer them to local programs for assistance.

The launch event is set for noon Thursday at the United Way of Merced County office, 658 W. Main St.

​United Way of Merced County, Merced County Public Health, Merced​ ​​County Human​ ​Services, United Way of California, the Office of Emergency Service and other groups are partners in the new service.

Residents can connect to human services programs, including housing assistance, food pantries, job training, health care, tutoring, counseling and transportation.

Mountain Valley 211 also will support emergency response teams in disaster relief efforts. The program will be able to coordinate with the Office of Emergency Services to provide information regarding evacuations, road closures and shelters.

According to United Way of Merced County, the organization leading the program, 98 percent of California residents are already covered by a 211 system. It is estimated that in 2013, 211 call centers received nearly 2 million calls across the state.

About 50 percent of the calls in California request assistance for food, shelter, clothing and utilities.

When the 211 service rolls out, organizers have said, United Way expects to have a database of about 1,000 programs and services available for callers. Assistance through 211 will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in 150 languages.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 6:14 PM with the headline "211 number to launch in Merced, Mariposa counties."