By Cathy Freeman

United Way of the Greater Triangle

As the holiday season draws near for families and individuals hit hard by trying economic times, United Way of the Greater Triangle hopes to see more refrigerators with 2-1-1 listed under emergency numbers.

United Way's 2-1-1 free assistance program connects callers to certified bilingual caseworkers who issue referrals from an extensive database of local resources, support and volunteer opportunities.

In 2009, 2-1-1 assisted almost 10,000 callers in the Triangle to find basic human need services including physical and mental health resources and support for children, families, aging adults, unemployed and disabled. Callers in the Wake, Durham, Orange and Johnston County area can be connected with any number of approximately 3,651 assistance programs available in the Wake, Durham, Orange and Johnston County area.

Director of operations for ASHA/Empatha, Aner Barriola, highlights the success of the program by telling a touching story of a young male caller from Durham who needed assistance paying his rent. The man called 2-1-1 and was referred to the Presbyterian Urban Ministry where he was given assistance in making his monthly payment. "He said that the person there was very understanding of his situation," Barriola said. "He was very grateful for the help from them and the 2-1-1 service."

To assess the 2-1-1 database, individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-UW211NC (888-892-1162). Operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is also available online at www.NC211.org

Some companies that use a PBX phone system may not be able to dial 2-1-1 from their phones until their phone system has been programmed. United Way 2-1-1 can assist companies with information on how to properly access the system.

To learn more about how you can LIVE UNITED by helping United Way and its partner agencies like the Dispute Settlement Center make lasting changes in our communities, visit www.unitedwaytriangle.org.

Cathy Freeman is a freelance multimedia journalist. Each week throughout the United Way of the Greater Triangle annual campaign, The Herald-Sun will run an article on volunteers or agencies that receive United Way funding.