What is it?

2-1-1 is a national program created jointly the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) and the United Way of America to provide information and referral to people in need of non-emergency, basic human services such as food, shelter and childcare. The program was intended to relieve 9-1-1 of non-emergencies in order to focus on emergency calls. CAIRS (California Alliance of Information & Referral Systems) is the state affiliate of AIRS.

In February 2004 an application was submitted to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) by the Volunteer Center of Riverside County (VCRC) and accepted on August 4, 2005. Through the continued hard work of those committed to the vision of 2-1-1, VCRC formally launched 2-1-1 Riverside County on July 1, 2005.

2-1-1 is a three-digit phone number designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), reserved for information and referral. By dialling 2-1-1 callers will speak to a trained specialist who can provide information and referrals regarding health, human and social services 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Our next post will be less formal and begin to highlight:

1. Different aspects of 2-1-1's service to Riverside County residents
2. Some of the programs and agencies in our Database
3. Frequently-asked questions
4. Upcoming events