Social Services Directory Targeted for Expansion
Supporters of the "Calling for 211 Act" gathered in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to promote federal legislation seeking to expand the toll-free "211" hot line in communities nationwide, including parts of California, the Contra Costa Times reports.
The hot line was launched 10 years ago and currently operates in parts of 41 states. It links callers to mental health care, emergency food and shelter and substance abuse treatment. It also helps callers find other services such as child care referral agencies, job training programs and senior meal programs.
Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), who sponsored House legislation on the expansion, said she is seeking federal funding to expand the 211 system to every community nationwide.
The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (R-N.Y.) (Steffens, Contra Costa Times, 2/14).