RESPONSE
Families on the edge do not know where to turn. 2-1-1 makes it easy for families to connect to the help they need. United Way is expanding 2-1-1 to meet the growing demand from the economic crisis.

RELIEF
Bay Area families are turning to critical services such as emergency food and shelter to weather the economic storm. Unfortunately, many of these programs are unable to meet growing demand. We are giving aid to these programs.

RECOVERY
United Way is committed to guiding families along the long road to recovery. No one service will pull a working family permanently out of poverty. Affected families need long-term coaching and access to multiple services to rebuild lives.

2-1-1: Guiding Families on the Road to Recovery
As part of the downturn in the economy, a single father lost his construction job. He was falling behind on his utility bills and mortgage. He was worried about foreclosure and whether he could feed his children. He was completely overwhelmed and didn't know what to do.

He picked up the phone and dialed 2-1-1. Daphne, a trained 2-1-1 specialist, not only referred him to help for his immediate needs but also helped him develop a step-by-step plan so he could keep moving ahead without feeling overwhelmed..

She referred him to five key services immediately–making sure that he not only qualified for the help, but also had everything needed to access the services:

• Financial counseling and assistance
• Child care so he could look for a job
• Job training programs so he could find other types of employment
• Food banks near his home
• PG&E Cares, a program for help with utility bills

Just as importantly, Daphne helped him establish long-term priorities. Together, they set a plan in place to keep in contact so Daphne could help his family successfully navigate the road to recovery.