History of 2-1-1 in New York State

2-1-1 New York Collaborative (211 Collaborative): In  1999, the 211 Collaborative (an unincorporated association) co-sponsored by New York State Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, Inc. (NYSAIRS) and United Way of New York State (UWNYS) developed a statewide plan for the implementation of a 2-1-1 Information and Referral (I&R) system for New York State. 

The unincorporated 211 Collaborative established that the governance would be located at the principle office of United Way of New York State (UWNYS), Albany, NY.  UWNYS served as the 211Collaborative’s fiscal agent. 

FCC:
In 2000 the FCC authorized New York State to assign the 2-1-1 code so that preliminary plans could be developed and a statewide system for implementing 2-1-1 could occur.  

PSC:
In 2002, New York State’s Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order that assigned the 211 Collaborative as the entity to take the lead in the implementation of 2-1-1 for New York State residents.  In 2010, 2-1-1 NY received the PSC order which reflects approval of the request to re-assign the 2-1-1 code to 2-1-1 New York Inc.

211 Collaborative: 
In 2004, the 211 Collaborative approved a Governance Agreement for its operation.  

2-1-1 New York Strategic Plan:  211 Collaborative approved a New York State Strategic Plan in 2008. 

2-1-1 New York, Inc.:  In 2009, the 211 Collaborative voted to support the formation of a new governance and separate entity to continue the development and implementation of the statewide 2-1-1 system.  A new corporation was formed, 2-1-1 New York, Inc., a subsidiary of UWNYS.  211NYInc. benefits New York residents and offers consumers health and human service information and referral free of charge.