Rocky Hill, Conn.
(October 4, 2017) - Recent
natural disasters have resulted in United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 supporting relief efforts both nationally and in Connecticut. Thanks to support from Connecticut United Ways and the State of Connecticut, 2-1-1 Connecticut has provided direct relief, helped coordinate relief efforts and is now working as part of the State's Emergency Management Unified Command response to support those evacuated or displaced by recent and tragic natural disasters.
As part of a national network of 2-1-1's, 2-1-1 Connecticut handled hundreds of calls from people in Texas seeking help with hurricane recovery and worked to connect Texas residents with resources such as food, drinking water and disaster relief information.
In response to Hurricane Irma and at the request of United Way Worldwide, Connecticut 2-1-1 assumed the role of resource coordinator for those affected by Irma. A website used by 2-1-1's across the nation to find information and make referrals for Irma victims was immediately created by 2-1-1 Connecticut. To-date, this website has received over 6,000 views and continues to be updated with new information for the benefit of Hurricane Irma victims.
Currently 2-1-1 Connecticut is working with the State of Connecticut's Emergency Operations Center to help provide access to services and community resources to those who have been evacuated or displaced as a result of Hurricane Maria. Support from local United Ways helps 2-1-1 Connecticut respond during times of great need. Local United Ways support 2-1-1 while continuing to invest in persisting challenges within their communities.
Connecticut United Ways stand ready as a system to be responsive to community, statewide and national efforts to supports those struggling, in particular those who have family, friends and loved ones facing hardship in Puerto Rico.
Households that suffer the greatest during disa
sters are also those that are faced with the daily struggles associated with financial insecurity. For ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, there is no paycheck or subsidy coming in the mail when low-wage hourly workers have to leave their homes and jobs and communities. Their financial stability is already fragile and they do not have resources to rely on in times of crisis. This demonstrates how critical our efforts are in supporting ALICE today in our own neighborhoods and community. Because of your financial support and volunteerism, we continue to find ways to help ALICE thrive.
2-1-1 Connecticut is a program of United Way of Connecticut. Our work is made possible through support from the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways.