Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #78FY0102

2-1-1 Information & Referral System

Requester:

Danielle Ricciardi

Organization:

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Project Title:

2-1-1 Information & Referral System

Date Submitted:

1/12/2002 2:51:14 PM

Sponsors:

Lesley Miller

Statewide Interest:

2-1-1 is a national initiative of the United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), making it easier for citizens to get help and give help in their community.� In Florida, 2-1-1 is up and running in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Brevard Counties, and is in the process of being implemented statwide.� 2-1-1's potential benefit to both taxpayers and policy makers is enormous.� Not only will citizens be better able to acccess needed services, but issues will also be addressed at an earlier stage, reducing the chance that they will grow into a host of problems requiring expensive solutions.� This prevention-based approached is especially vital at at time when individuals are expected to take on more responsibility for their own well being, reducing reliance on government.� Funding of this proposal would not only greatly benefit Hillsbough County, but would also provide a pilot project, model and training resource for replication of 2-1-1- service throughout the State of Florida.

Recipient:

Crisis Center� Of Tampa Bay

Contact:

Danielle Ricciardi

One Crises Center Plaza

Contact Phone:

(813) 964-1964

Tampa, FL 33613

Counties:

Hillsborough

Gov't Entity:

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Yes

Project Description:

2-1-1 is an abbreviated telephone dialing code, set aside by the FCC for health and human services information and referral (I&R) nationwide.� Modeled after 9-1-1, 2-1-1 will have a major impact, making it much easier for citizens to navigate the complex maze of human service agencies and either receive help or volunteer.� In Hillsborough County, 2-1-1 has been added to the Crisis Center's Hotline Services, which has been providing service in the Tampa Bay area for 29 years.� When an individual dials 2-1-1, staff/volunteers help identify issues and make referrels to appropriate services, also providing crises/suicide prevention counseling as needed.� Combining state-of-the-art technology with the human factor results in a service that is accessible, user-friendly and efficient.� 2-1-1 is also cost-effective, maximizing existing resources and helping stabilize individuals and families.

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

2-1-1's goal is to make it easier for people to find and give help.� In fiscal year 1999-2000, the Hotline received 26,209 calls, and since the implementation of 2-1-1, call volume has increased by over 227%.� With the proper telecommunications system, we anticipate managing 60,000 calls in the next year.� 2-1-1 not only removes barriers and improves service delivery, but also serves as an excellent resource for data collection and on-going human service needs assessment.� Our technology enables us to track outcomes and devise monthly reports on caller needs, and how well we are answering those needs and providing follow-up.� This information will be extremely beneficial to policy makers, social service providers and funders, heping identify trends and plan for the future needs of our citizens.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$230,000

Total cost of the project:

$776,223

Request has been made to fund:

Operations

What type of match exists for this project?

None

Was this project previously funded by the State?

No

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

Unknown

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

No

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

No

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

2-1-1- began as a national inititative, recognizing a gap in service delivery and the need for a cen

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

Yes

Hearing Body:

Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation

Meeting Date:

12/5/2000