Finger Lakes 2-1-1 "Elevator Speech"

2-1-1 is an easy to remember three digit dialing access that will be available 24X7, connecting callers to certified information and referral specialists and who can give reliable, up to date information about services for which they qualify and that are accessible to them.

Not knowing where to turn when help is needed is consistently ranked as a major barrier in needs assessments.  Over time, a somewhat confusing array of specialty hotlines has resulted.

It is time to re-invent the way to make it easier for people to connect with the help they need in the most efficient and effective way possible.

We are anticipating that of the 992,900 people in the Greater Rochester Region who would benefit from the initial implementation of 2-1-1 services we will receive up to 93,531 calls for help in just one year.

Our goal is to have 2-1-1 become recognized as the first place to call when help is needed, when it is not a police, fire or medical emergency.  We want to be the place that becomes second nature for our community members to seek when they don’t know where to go for help.

Our plan is to have 2-1-1 become widely recognized and trusted as the number to call or the website to visit when you want to “get or give help”.  Members of our community will have a streamlined way to find out what services are available to them, whether or not they qualify for those services and be given a range of options that empower the individual to determine where and what services they wish to receive.  Community agencies will also benefit by not having to go through lengthy telephone calls or intake appointments with consumers who do not meet criteria for their programs; they will know that a consumer directed to them by 2-1-1 will result in an appropriate referral for the services they provide.