United Way of Connecticut
Press Release

March 15, 2017

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blizzard Hits Connecticut, United Way 2-1-1 Connects Hundreds to Help 


Rocky Hill, Conn. - As the Blizzard of 2017 moved through the state of Connecticut on Tuesday March 14, United Way 2-1-1 stepped into action. As the statewide point of entry for coordinated shelter, 2-1-1 call specialists fielded many calls from Connecticut residents in need of shelter and seeking warming centers as the storm brought travel in the state to a standstill. People living in Connecticut often hear state and local leaders referring to 2-1-1 when the weather takes a turn for the worst, and this blizzard was no exception.

"Many people know 2-1-1, but not everyone knows that 2-1-1's services are made possible, in part, through the generosity of United Way donors across the state," said Richard Porth, United Way of Connecticut CEO.

Governor Malloy's order for a Severe Cold Weather Protocol was issued on Friday, March 10th and will remain in effect through Thursday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. If you or someone you know is seeking shelter call 2-1-1 to locate a warming center near you or click HERE for a complete list of warming centers located throughout the state and information on staying safe in cold weather.

Since Governor Malloy's issue of a Severe Cold Weather Protocol last Friday:
  • 2-1-1 Call Specialists have handled approximately 300 calls as a result of the extreme cold weather.
  • 2-1-1's Warming Center and Cold Weather Information page has been viewed more than 900 times to access up-to-date information about Blizzard Eugene and locate warming centers.
  • More than 1,500 searches for shelters and warming centers have been made on www.211ct.org.
2-1-1 Connecticut's work continues as temperatures remain cold across the state. Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org  to get connected to the help you need to stay safe.
 
###
About Connecticut United Ways

Connecticut United Ways advance the common good by creating opportunities for all, with a particular focus on education, income/financial security, health, and basic needs - the building blocks for a good quality of life. We engage people and organizations throughout our communities who bring passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done, and we invite everyone to be part of the change.
About 2-1-1 Connecticut
2-1-1 Connecticut is a free health and human service information and referral service, with a continuously updated database of more than 4,000 agencies and 40,000 programs and services. Free, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year online at 211ct.org and over the phone by dialing 2-1-1. 2-1-1 Connecticut has organizational accreditations from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), and the contact center is certified by the American Association of Suicidology for crisis intervention.
 
2-1-1 Connecticut provides services with support from the State of Connecticut and local United Ways.
United Way of Connecticut
1344 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: (860) 571-7500 Fax: (860) 571-7525
Media Contact
Annie Scully
(860) 571-7215