People in the area served by the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area are able to dial the United Way/ VIA LINK 2-1-1 number or 1-800-749-2673 (COPE) 24 hours a day 7 days a week to get help and community referrals.

In the New Orleans Area , trained counselors staff the help line around the clock providing information on where to acquire food, blankets, clothing and other essential needs. During November and December 2005, the 2-1-1 call center serviced more than 22,000 calls.

Additionally, incoming calls related to serious depression and suicide have increased from 2 to 3 calls prior to the hurricane to currently over 12 to 14 calls daily.

2-1-1 receives calls for many needs, especially basic needs such as housing, furniture, and clothing. Agents are also able to provide counseling to help people cope with the aftermath of the recent hurricanes.

According to VIA LINK CEO Marguerite Redwine, “ 2-1-1’s goal is to successfully link people to community resources including counseling and other resources to help them to renew their hope in making progress toward recovery and renewal.”

Nationally, 2-1-1 serves approximately 139 million Americans which is over 46% of the US population. There are 171 active 2-1-1 systems covering all or part of 32 states (including 14 states with 100% coverage) in addition to Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.

For more information, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-649-2673 (COPE).

In an effort to focus national attention on the need to develop and fund a consistent three-digit dialing system nationwide that provides community, volunteer and human service information and referral - particularly in light of significant natural disasters and devastating events such as last year’s Gulf Coast hurricanes - George Rodrigue has created and donated an image of his well-known “Blue Dog” mired in red tape to be used to represent the need for 211.

Rodrigue, a Louisiana native, was concerned about the failure of systems and institutions to adequately respond to the hurricane destruction and was interested in contributing to the recovery and rebuilding efforts. He wants to use his art to bring attention to the needs of people and communities whose lives had been severely disrupted from the last hurricane season. After learning about 211 and the critical role United Way plays in long-term rebuilding efforts, Rodrigue’s artwork debuted in Denver to benefit United Way for the GNO Area and United Way of America.

“Cutting Through the Red Tape” shows the Blue Dog entangled in red tape, a metaphor for how United 211 is used – to connect people who need help and want to help.

Rodrigue was officially recognized for his contribution to United Way and 211 on May 17th at the United Community Leaders Conference in Denver, Colorado.

For more information on the statewide 2-1-1 initiative, please visit www.launitedway.org.