In times of need, United Way of Chatham County is there to help. One of the key benefits of being part of a statewide network is our ability to mobilize quickly and effectively to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Florence.
2-1-1, a free and confidential non-emergency service, provides assistance invaluable service in times of crisis. It offers community access to critical resources and information to help reduce harmful effects of the disaster.
During Hurricane Matthew in 2016, thousands of people called 2-1-1 and that same level of response is expected with Hurricane Florence. Finding temporary shelter, food, water, health resources and a variety of other needs are met through 2-1-1.
United Way’s staff is embedded in the Emergency Operations Center and can update 2-1-1 resources in real-time as well as share caller needs with EOC staff. Call data is displayed through an online dashboard 211counts.org and can help inform where needs exist sometimes before they are reported.
2-1-1 offers texting capability that connects the caller to Ready NC resources, Red Cross Shelter information and more. Callers may text Florence to 898211. They will be asked to identify the state and county in which services are needed and will receive quick connection to services offered.
Upon activation by Governor Cooper, NC 2-1-1 becomes the official portal for disaster and emergency related information for North Carolina citizens during times of disaster. For more information, please visit nc211.org.