Mobile 311 and United Way 211 Team Up to Serve Citizens Better
Aug 8th, 2011
Two citizen service lines, 311 from the City of Mobile and United Way 2-1-1, will begin collaborating immediately as a way to better serve the citizens of Mobile. Each service plays an important but different role in being responsive to citizens. This collaboration will ensure that those who call one service, but actually need the other, will be helped promptly. Call operators with Mobile 311 and United Way 2-1-1 have been trained on what the other service provides, so that they can easily transfer callers to the appropriate service.
“I’m very happy that these two agencies will be working together to see that all citizens’ needs are being met,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. “Mobile 311 is the one call to city hall, covering all non-emergency service requests. Be it missed garbage collections, a pothole in their street, or a downed power line, all Mobile citizens have an easy way to get it fixed.”
United Way of Southwest Alabama introduced 2-1-1 service in 2007. It provides three-digit dialing for those seeking utility assistance, food, temporary shelter, and many other social services.
“Often individuals who need assistance may not know where to get the information or help they need in a timely manner. United Way 2-1-1 provides this important health and human services information and how to access the services needed by individuals and their families” said Dr. Joseph F. Busta, Jr., Vice President of University of South Alabama Development and Alumni Relations and 2011 United Way Board of Trustees Chairman. “United Way 2-1-1 is the ‘go-to number’ for instant access to this information and these critical services.”
Mobile 311 and United Way 2-1-1 are useful tools year-round, but they can be essential in the recovery after a hurricane. Things such as downed power lines and street signs, a fallen tree that is blocking a road, or stray animals that have gotten loose can be reported to 311. Also, families who need social assistance such as emergency shelters, food distribution centers, clean-up crews, and Federal assistance can utilize United Way 2-1-1.
Mobile 311 is available 24 hours a day, 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day) to citizens living within Mobile’s city limits. United Way 2-1-1 is available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday for residents of Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Escambia, Monroe, Choctaw, Conecuh, and Clarke Counties.