2-1-1 Texas, United Way's information and referral service, has volunteer opportunities during times of disaster such as hurricanes, floods and tornados. During a disaster, 2-1-1 needs up to 20 volunteers to work in four-hour shifts 24 hours a day. Volunteers work closely with dedicated 2-1-1 professionals to respond to callers seeking information about evacuation routes, transportation, shelters, food, water and more. For more information or to register for training, contact Estela Jimenez at 817-635-4217 or estela.jimenez@unitedwaytarrant.org.

 

You could hear the concern in their voices: “I need transportation to escape the hurricane that’s coming. Can you help me?” “My grandmother was evacuated. Can you find her?” “I’m driving north on I-45 with my two kids, and I’m running out of money. Is there a shelter nearby?” “Is it safe to go home?”

 

The questions came from across Texas, but each found its way to United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral service in Arlington, where hurricanes hundreds of miles away produced a whirlwind of activity. Our local 2-1-1 service received more than 19,400 hurricane-related calls from July through October. About 14,500 of those calls were related to Hurricane Ike alone.

 

While all of the 2-1-1 centers that blanket Texas respond during weather crises, United Way's 2-1-1 service is one of only three centers that ramp up to handle the surge of calls for assistance that occurs day and night. Hurricanes Dolly, Gustav and Ike prompted United Way to supplement its eleven 2-1-1 information and referral specialists with 140 other people, including other United Way employees, family members and staff from United Way community partners. Together they helped callers find a relative, a way out, a place to sleep or just peace of mind.

 

The Texas Information and Referral Network at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission provided the 2-1-1 team with constantly-updated information relevant to each storm.