FAQ- 211 - New York


	Clicking on a question below takes you directly to the answer. What is an N-1-1 number? What is 2-1-1? What is the vision for 2-1-1 in New York State? Who is leading this effort in New York State? How will 2-1-1 work in New York State? Will 2-1-1 make information available over the Internet? What is information & referral? Who pays for 2-1-1? How will 2-1-1 work with 9-1-1? What is an N-1-1 number? Among abbreviated dialing arrangements, "N-1-1" is a three-digit code in which the "N" can be any digit other than 1 or 0, and the last two digits are both 1. There are only eight possible codes, making N-1-1 among the scarcest of numbering resources. Following are the existing N-1-1 code assignments: •2-1-1: Assigned for community information and referral (I&R) services •3-1-1: Assigned nationwide for non-emergency police and other governmment services •4-1-1: Unassigned but used virtually nationwide by carriers for directory assistance •5-1-1: Assigned for traffic and transportation information •6-1-1: Unassigned but used broadly by carriers for repair service •7-1-1: Assigned nationwide for access to Telecom Relay Services •8-1-1: Unassigned but used by local exchange carriers for business office use •9-1-1: Unassigned but used nationwide for emergency services N-1-1 codes “0-1-1” and “1-1-1” are unavailable because “0” and “1” are used for switching and routing purposes. What is 2-1-1? •It is a simple and easy-to-remember number to call when people need help or access to human services. •Like 9-1-1, it easily and directly connects the caller to a local/regional 2-1-1 call center. •It is not another emergency service access point. •The 2-1-1 call center provides direct personal assistance. After an interview with a caller to gain an understanding of specific needs, information and referral specialists provide the caller with detailed information about and referral to appropriate agencies, programs and services. •It is a 24-hour, multi-lingual service so people get the help and information they need when they need it. What is the vision for 2-1-1 in New York State? 2-1-1 is meant to complement 9-1-1 by filling the gap between emergencies and urgent non-public-safety needs, like food and shelter. 2-1-1 helps relieve the burden of non-emergency calls on 9-1-1 and saves callers time by providing guidance and appropriate referrals to organizations that can meet the callers’ needs. During a disaster, 2-1-1 provides information about accessing disaster-specific services such as shelters, food, water and other basic needs and recovery programs. All New Yorkers will have easy access to information about the full range of health and human service programs. Who is leading this effort in New York State? 2-1-1 New York, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which works with regional providers and the New York State Alliance of Information & Referral Systems to maintain and develop 2-1-1 service across the state. In February 2002, the state Public Service Commission issued an order that recognized the 2-1-1 New York Collaborative as the entity to take the lead in the implementation of 2-1-1 in New York State. The 2-1-1 New York, Inc. nonprofit corporation was formed in 2010 to continue these efforts. How will 2-1-1 work in New York State? A defined number of regional call centers are designated 2-1-1 providers. The regional approach allows for operating efficiencies along with “local” delivery and awareness of community needs. Each regional call center meets operational requirements that are aligned with Standards for Professional Information and Referral established by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). Input is sought from key stakeholders in the development and delivery of I&R services within each county. Will 2-1-1 make information available over the Internet? Each 2-1-1 provider makes its resource database available online. Visit 211.org for the direct contact information and website for the covered counties. What is information and referral? Information and referral (I&R) services are the link between people who need health and human services assistance and the appropriate providers of such services. I&R services across the United States answer more than 50 million calls annually. I&R specialists assess callers’ needs and determine the service provider best equipped to handle their problems or crises. In addition, I&R specialists are trained to determine whether a caller may be eligible for other programs. I&R providers maintain comprehensive databases of resources, including federal, state and local government agencies; community-based organizations; and private non-profits. Who pays for 2-1-1? Unlike 9-1-1, 2-1-1 New York does not envision that new taxes will pay for this important community resource. Current funding varies considerably from one call center to another, demonstration of a broad and diverse funding base. Many receive United Way contributions or are programs or collaborative partners of local United Ways. Many also rely on individual contributions through annual campaigns and contracted call center or data management services. The 2-1-1 New York Collaborative supports the position that initial and ongoing funding for 2-1-1 service in New York State will be through public-private partnerships that include federal, state and local government funding streams and United Way; corporate and other charitable entities; and major gifts and endowments. Federal legislation was introduced in mid-September 2003 (S1630, HR3111) to provide a dedicated-revenue stream of $200 million to support 2-1-1. How will 2-1-1 work with 9-1-1? 2-1-1 is meant to complement 9-1-1 by filling the gap between emergencies and urgent non-public-safety needs, like food and shelter. 2-1-1 helps relieve the burden of non-emergency calls on 9-1-1 and saves callers time by providing guidance and appropriate referrals to organizations that can meet the callers’ needs. During a disaster, 2-1-1 provides information about accessing disaster-specific services such as shelters, food, water and other basic needs and recovery programs.