211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast

December 10, 2008

From the Desk of Commissioner McCarty

I would like to remind everyone about a local non-profit organization called 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast (211), which offers free services to Palm Beach County residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  211 is a progressive agency that is constantly evolving in order to meet the community’s needs based on various social and economic challenges. 

With access to approximately 4,000 programs within the community, 211 is a confidential, non-judgmental helpline for individuals who find themselves in a situation without knowing whom to contact to obtain the information, referrals or answers to the problems they are encountering.  Basically, 211 can be described as a gateway to all types of health, human service and governmental organizations in the community.   Some examples of 211’s more common referrals have been for sources dealing with financial assistance and basic needs such as food, housing, utility payments and shelter. 

Additionally, 211 also serves as a hotline and provides immediate guidance and telephone counseling for distressed individuals experiencing a crisis or personal problem such as suicide intervention. 

Moreover, 211 provides a proactive in-home information, referral and crisis intervention for elders who need assistance in navigating the health and human services system.  In addition, they provide a program titled “Sunshine Telephone Reassurance” for isolated elders and disabled individuals by contacting them on a regularly scheduled basis.  Additionally, other types of referrals have been for personal care, homemaking, and Meals on Wheels. 

211 also maintains a Web site (www.211treasurecoast.org) with an online community resource directory which responds to requests for information and referral services available on the internet.  Also, there is instant messaging service for anyone who may feel more comfortable communicating online. 

For more information, please dial 211 directly or visit their Web site (referenced above).  As always, I am here to serve you. Your concerns and questions are important to me, so please do not hesitate to contact me at 561-276-1220 or email me at mmccarty@pbcgov.org.  Also, you can visit my Web site at www.pbcgov.com for up-to-date information concerning Palm Beach County.

Mary McCarty, Commissioner, District IV
Palm Beach County