100,000 Calls Received by the 211 Call Specialists

The 211 Helpline Call Center run by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam in White Plains has answered more than 100,000 calls so far in 2020, which is more than the then record-setting 80,000 calls it received in 2019. Over 25,000 calls have been COVID-19-related calls.

“I am so proud of how the call specialists have been able to handle the increased call volume while also providing each caller with the attention they need. Our call specialists have been able a source of information as well as a source of comfort for calls through this crisis,” said Lini Jacob, Senior Vice President of 211 Hudson Valley. “We have seen a jump in calls related to food and housing insecurity and financial needs in every community. 

Every day 211 operates 24/7 and regularly works remotely. Our call center will continue to do so, answering questions, providing information, and even calming a caller’s understandable anxiety about the unknown.
United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline handles calls from residents from Long Island to the Adirondacks. United Way’s 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information (over 200 languages) and referral helpline open 365 days a year. Nationally certified call specialists are trained to answer questions and provide referrals. In 2018, 2-1-1 added text messaging to its services. 

As COVID-19 continues to unfold, 2-1-1 will be here for residents of the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and upstate New York, answering questions about food assistance, housing, and shelters, utilities, abuse prevention, suicide, foster parenting, medical help, and more. Please call 2-1-1 or visit online at 211hudsonvalley.org.