United Way working to bring 211 to Valdosta | News

VALDOSTA — Higher Valdosta United Method is working to get Valdosta coated by 211 — a free helpline very similar to 911 — that gives providers to the group, corresponding to psychological well being assets, help for seniors, volunteer alternatives and extra.

In response to the 211 web site, “The 211 community in the US responds to greater than 21 million requests for assist yearly. Most calls, internet chats, and textual content messages are from folks searching for assist assembly primary wants like housing, meals, transportation and well being care.”

GVUW CEO and President Michael Smith stated that Georgia’s inhabitants is at about 70% protection, and that it’s rural areas that aren’t.

Nonetheless, due to Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, the United Method’s 211 service will be capable of cowl a 19-county area in rural South Georgia, together with 5 counties in Georgia’s First Congressional District.

In response to a press launch on Sen. Ossoff’s web site, Sen. Ossoff labored alongside Congressman Carter to convey Republicans and Democrats collectively to ship $213,000 for the challenge via this 12 months’s bipartisan authorities funding bundle.

“I’ve heard straight from Lowndes County leaders about the necessity to set up 211 providers. That’s why I started working and introduced Republicans and Democrats collectively to determine a brand new 211 Heart for households in Valdosta to entry providers and help they want,” Ossoff stated.

“I thank Higher Valdosta United Method President and CEO Michael Smith for bringing this proposal to my workplace and for his management locally.” Smith stated the GVUW 211 service shall be arrange for texting by the tip of the 12 months and calls to 211 will begin in 2025.

“Columbus Space United Method will assist reply the [211] calls however we’ll have to extend employees at our workplace over time,” Smith stated. “We are going to begin with textual content 211 protection round 5 counties after which broaden to name extra counties in 2025. It’s a course of, however we’re excited to convey this necessary quantity and useful resource to the area.”