New Jersey Increasing Awareness of 211 Hotline Service for Residents in Need
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families and New Jersey 211 are launching a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the 211 hotline among residents in New Jersey. This initiative aims to overcome the major obstacle of lack of knowledge about existing services when seeking help or specific services in the state.
What is the 211 Hotline in New Jersey?
Melissa Acree, CEO of New Jersey 211, describes 211 as a simple three-digit hotline that serves as the starting point for seeking help.
It is an information and referral service where individuals can contact the 211 hotline to inquire about the assistance they need and where to find help.
According to Acree, “We can assess their needs and connect them with local community programs (mostly non-profit organizations) and government programs.”
A comprehensive statewide survey found that many New Jersey residents going through challenging times are unaware of where to turn for help. Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families, Christine Norbut Beyer, mentioned that there are numerous federal, state, and local resources ready to provide assistance, but navigating and utilizing these complex systems can be challenging.
This is where the New Jersey 211 hotline comes in, with trained staff available to help callers connect with services in their local area.
When to Dial 211 Hotline
Even if you don’t need assistance yourself, understanding the 211 hotline is crucial to help other family members, friends, and neighbors.
During statewide disasters, whether from a pandemic or weather-related emergencies, the New Jersey 211 hotline serves as a public gateway for information and referrals specific to the disaster.
The New Jersey 211 hotline not only offers on-the-ground assistance but also allows people to call, text, or chat with 211. For residents who prefer searching for information on their own rather than speaking with experts, the New Jersey 211 hotline provides a free, searchable directory of social services on their website, enabling them to search for various programs and services in their area.
Common Assistance Searches
Acree revealed that the most common assistance topics searched by New Jersey residents include housing, whether it’s finding affordable housing, rental assistance, or information about security deposits.
Utility assistance is another common search as it can help offset other bills. Food is also a frequent search topic. Following housing searches, one of the top searches on the website is for support groups, whether it’s mental health support groups or substance use support groups, among others.
In addition to the promotional efforts, the campaign encourages non-profit organizations to list their service offerings in the New Jersey 211 database and keep their records updated to make it easier for those in need to quickly find the right resources.
Acree mentioned that the website’s design also allows healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, guidance counselors, teachers, and other personnel to search the site and find help for their clients or patients.