OR211 is building an integrated, efficient, statewide system of 2-1-1 call centers which will work together to provide telephone access to trained information and referral specialists, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - providing the right information in the right way at the right time.
2-1-1 Dialing Code
2-1-1 Nationwide
OR211 is part of the nationwide effort in which active 2-1-1 systems serve over 75% of the US population. Callers dial the three digit number to speak with professional I&R specialists. The I&R specialists will talk with them to assess their needs, help them to determine their options, direct them to appropriate programs and services, provide culturally appropriate support, intervene in crisis situations, and advocate for the caller when necessary.
2-1-1 Progress in Oregon
Currently there is one regional call center operating in Portland and serving a seven county area which includes the three county Portland metropolitan area as well as four counties in southwest Washington. The Portland regional call center will also begin answering calls for three counties in Central Oregon as of January 1st of 2009. Two other call centers are deeply into the planning stages. One is located in Eugene and will serve all of Lane County. The second is located in Roseburg and will serve a three county area in southern Oregon.
With the leadership of Oregon Emergency Management and a commitment of support from Oregon Department of Human Services, OR211 is seeking funding from the Oregon State Legislature during its 2009 session. A Policy Option Package has been drafted through OEM that would bring 2-1-1 service to all Oregonians by the end of the 2009-2011 biennium.
Additional funding has enabled OR211 to hire an independent contractor to evaluate and compare Information & Referral software systems to support a statewide system. This project is currently underway with an anticipated completion date of November 2008.