Commissioner's Corner—November 2009

211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast is a non-profit organization offering free services to Palm Beach County residents  24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  With access to approximately 4,000 programs within the community, 211 is a confidential, non-judgmental helpline for individuals who find themselves in a situation without knowing whom to contact to obtain the information, referrals or answers to the problems they are encountering.  Basically, 211 can be described as a gateway to all types of health, human service and governmental organizations in the community.   Some examples of 211’s more common referrals have been for sources dealing with financial assistance and basic needs such as food, housing, utility payments and shelter. 

Additionally, 211 also serves as a hotline and provides immediate guidance and telephone counseling for distressed individuals experiencing a crisis or personal problem such as suicide intervention. 

211 also provides a proactive in-home information, referral and crisis intervention for elders who need assistance in navigating the health and human services system.  In addition, they provide a program titled “Sunshine Telephone Reassurance” for isolated elders and disabled individuals by contacting them on a regularly scheduled basis.  Additionally, other types of referrals have been for personal care, homemaking, and Meals on Wheels. 

211 also maintains a Web site (www.211treasurecoast.org) with an online community resource directory which responds to requests for information and referral services available on the internet.  Also, there is instant messaging service for anyone who may feel more comfortable communicating online. 

For more information, please dial 211 directly or visit their Web site.  Please contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have any comments and/or suggestions.  I can be contacted at sabrams@pbcgov.org or at my office at 561-355-2204 (West Palm Beach) or 561-276-1220 (Delray Beach).  Also, please visit my Web site at http://www.pbcgov.com/countycommissioners/district4/ for updates and links to county divisions and other governmental agencies.