By Kelly Callahan Cruise, special to Statehouse Report | Sometimes life throws us a curveball and we are stopped in our tracks. Perhaps you need to find home healthcare for an elderly relative, or maybe you need assistance in paying a utility bill. You may be looking for help for a friend who is suffering from an addiction problem. Did you know there is a resource to help you find answers?
Whether you’re searching for information, or trying to locate a resource for someone in the community, dialing 2-1-1 can find you the help you need!
Every day, thousands of people call, text, and web chat with highly trained specialists at SC 2-1-1 to find food, housing, health care, financial coaching, job training and more. This vital service is part of United Way’s effort to fight for the health, education and financial stability for every person in our state. Having this resource available is a huge asset to our state, and that is why we celebrate February 11 (2-11) as 2-1-1 Day!
SC 2-1-1 offers assistance in an array of areas. Are you concerned about your child’s developmental growth? There is so much information available about the early stages of child development that it can be hard to understand. SC 2-1-1 specialists can connect you to someone who can help, and in many communities, to agencies that actually offer developmental screenings by phone.
Perhaps you have considered a career change, or are in need of employment. Whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce, upgrade your job or find a new career, SC 2-1-1 can direct you to resume review services, possible employment opportunities, and training programs near you.
Medical situations arise, and sometimes we all have questions or concerns as to where we can find help. Sometimes those situations bring bills that can be overwhelming. If you are looking for assistance with medical needs or the financial burdens associated with them, SC 2-1-1 can direct you to assistance with those needs.
Sometimes we are just in need of support in dealing with life’s stresses. If you, a friend, or a loved one is looking for a therapist, addiction treatment resource, or support group, don’t spend hours searching online or simply avoiding finding the help you need.
SC 2-1-1 maintains a robust list of resources in your community, including those that may offer free services or fees on a sliding scale.
If you are looking for help with filing your taxes, SC 2-1-1 can help connect you with easy ways to file in person or online. In most cases, you can file for free, depending on your income. SC 2-1-1 partners with government agencies and non-profit organizations to help you get connected to needed services. During tax season, call SC 2-1-1 to find a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in your community to get your taxes prepared free.
In 2017, SC2-1-1 handled 1.7 million calls for healthcare, food, and community resources, including 11,706 VITA appointments. When you consider that taxpayers spend an average of $200 in tax filing fees, this is a cost savings of over $2.3 million for low-income individuals. Combined with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, these savings allow working families to put more money toward unexpected household expenses, childcare, advanced education or a savings account. This helps create greater financial stability and security for families.
In addition to being able to call the three-digit 2-1-1 telephone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week, individuals can search for support online at SC211.org or use the SC 2-1-1 mobile app available for Android and Apple Devices. You can also use the online chat feature on the SC211.org website during regular business hours. It is easy to access and free to use.
- Call SC2-1-1 today to get your questions answered, or visit SC211.org.
Kelly Callahan Cruise is president and CEO of the United Way Association of South Carolina, which operates 2-1-1.
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