Category: Press Releases

The NYS Legislature awarded $2.4 million to the state’s 211 Helpline network, operated by local United Ways, to ensure that these community resource centers continue to connect individuals with health and human service needs to the right resources. The number of inquiries in 2021 was up 153% over 2019. Senator Peter Harckham (District 40), who represents communities in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, sponsored the bill into the budget.

“211 is the ultimate example of shared services and public-private partnerships,” said Sen. Harckham. “It is a good investment of public dollars to make sure that someone is there to assist those in need to find the government services and nonprofit assistance available. COVID and other recent natural disasters, such as the flooding caused by Hurricane Ida, also showed how important 211 is to local and state governments for responding to disasters and emergencies.”

The $2.4 million award was a $400,000 increase over its allocation in the ‘22 NYS Budget. The increased funding will expand 211’s texting capability statewide, support 211 activations in areas experiencing a disaster and include 211 in NYS’ emergency plan, clarifying communication, messaging, and activation. The NYS 211 Network matches the legislative appropriation with $5.3 million in local grants, contracts, and fee for services agreements, including $1.3 million in local United Way investment.

“With $2.4M in state support, we will be able to be a resource for people in need every day of the year, every hour of the day,” said Hugh Perry, President of the United Way of New York State. “We will also continue our ongoing efforts to make 211 easy to use and by those seeking help.” 

“This funding will help 211 community resource centers throughout the state meet the demand from those asking for food, mortgage, and rent assistance, or other basic needs, as the state deals with high inflation, food supply shortages, and eviction crisis,” said Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, which operates the 211 Hudson Valley & Long Island community resource center from its White Plains location. “We thank Sen. Harckham, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi for advocating for the funds and the legislative support of all the Senate and Assembly members.” United Way’s 211 Helpline has nationally certified community resource specialists trained to answer questions and provide referrals for the health and human service needs 24/7, 365 days a year, in 200 languages. For help in the Hudson Valley, an individual can dial 211, text their zip code to 898211, or visit 211hudsonvalley.org.

United Way’s 211 Helpline of the Hudson Valley completed the Alliance of Information and Referral (AIRS) Accreditation Program, which is specifically for programs engaged in the specialized field of Information and Referrals (I&R). The accreditation process measures an agency’s organizational compliance with expected practices within the field.   

“We are appreciative of the accreditation process as it allowed us to review and update our policies and procedures, and to receive valuable feedback from the accreditation reviewer,” said Chief of Information and Referral Officer Lini Jacob. “It is the best way to demonstrate the overall aspect and efficacy of an I&R service.” 

AIRS accreditation provides objective evidence of achievement in areas of service delivery, resource database, cooperative relationships, disaster preparedness, and organizational effectiveness. The accreditation lasts for five years. Having AIRS accreditation validates 211 Hudson Valley’s efficiency and effectiveness as an organization. 

“The Hudson Valley 2-1-1 team is proud to have earned AIRS accreditation. The quality of service we provide is evident not only from the awards we receive, but by the care, compassion, and support our support demonstrates towards each person who reaches out to us for help,” said Jacob.  

2-1-1 helpline offers health and human service information, referral, assessment, and crisis support to help callers find the assistance they need to address the everyday challenges of living. Also, callers can contact the helpline to be given guidance during times of disaster and any other community emergencies. Get in touch with a community resource specialist at any time, open 24/7, 365 days a year by calling 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211.  

For more information on 2-1-1 helpline offers and to learn more about 2-1-1, visit https://www.211hudsonvalley.org/

Under a new grant award from the NYS Department of Labor, United Way’s 211 Helpline of the Hudson Valley Region is now conducting education and assistance for Hudson Valley residents who think they may qualify for the newly established New York State Excluded Workers Fund.  The Excluded Workers Fund offers financial relief to workers who have suffered income loss due to COVID-19 but who are ineligible for Unemployment Insurance or related federal benefits.

New York is one of only a handful of states to aid these excluded workers when it created a $2.1 billion aid fund in this year’s State budget. New York’s Excluded Worker Fund (EWF) is the first entirely state-administered and state-funded program in the nation to bring relief to individuals excluded from government-issued economic relief.  Some 300,000 New Yorkers are expected to directly benefit.  This one-time payment is a culmination of a year’s long advocacy effort by the over two hundred organizations.  United Way of Westchester and Putnam, which manages the 211 Helpline for the Hudson Valley Region, is one of several nonprofit organizations statewide to receive funding to offer New Yorkers support and assistance with the online application process.

Residents who show adequate proof of eligibility may qualify for the Excluded Workers Fund benefit that provides a one-time payment to eligible workers who lost their jobs or income during the benefit period (through April 1, 2021). New York State residents may qualify for EWF benefits in one of two amounts, depending on the amount of work proof you are able to provide:

Tier 1 – $15,600 (minus taxes); OR • Tier 2 – $3,200 (minus taxes.)

Qualifications include: having lived in New York State before March 2020 and continue to live in New York State; Are not eligible for and did not receive unemployment insurance, COVID-19 income relief, or other specific benefits from the state or federal government; earned less than $26,208 in the 12 months before April 2021; and lost income during the period from through April 1, 2021, because you became unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19.  Residents may also qualify if they became responsible for most of the household income because the head of your household died or became disabled.

For the latest information and to learn more about eligibility for the Excluded Worker Fund (EWF) please visit on. dol.ny.gov/EWF. For further assistance in the EWF application process dial 211.

United Way’s 211 Helpline of the Hudson Valley Region located in White Plains, NY, is a free and confidential, information and referral service. Nationally certified call specialists are available 24/7 in over 200 languages to answer questions about food assistance, housing and shelters, utilities, abuse prevention, suicide, foster parenting, medical help, and more. In 2020, the call center answered 114,000 calls. www.211hudsonvalley.org

United Way’s Hudson Valley 2-1-1 helpline has been helping people in crisis since 2006 and has become a key resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. To amplify its mission, Hudson Valley 2-1-1 will hold a free webinar on October 27 at 10 a.m. to help front-line workers such as childcare workers, social workers, counselors, teachers, human resource professionals, and others in the helping professions learn how to use this valuable resource. Sign up at uwwp.org/211webinar. 

“Our call center specialists have a wealth of resources at their fingertips,’’ said The United Way of Westchester and Putnam President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “Using the resources available through the 2-1-1 helpline many organizations can more effectively connect their clients to the services that they need. We hope everyone will join us for this free, instructional program.’’ 

United Way’s 2-1-1 Referral Line handles an average of more than 80,000 calls a year from residents from Long Island to the Adirondacks. United Way’s 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information (over 200 languages) and referral helpline open 365 days a year.

Nationally certified call specialists are trained to answer questions and provide referrals. In 2018, 2-1-1 added text messaging to its services As COVID-19 continues to unfold, 2-1-1 will be here for residents of the Hudson Valley, Long Island and upstate New York, answering questions about food assistance, housing and shelters, utilities, abuse prevention, suicide, foster parenting, medical help and more. 

If you need help Dial 2-1-1.

   Several nonprofits serving the Putnam County communities have partnered together to support those most affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by creating the Heroes and Homebound Hot Meals Delivery Program. Community Cares, the United Way of Westchester and Putnam and the Putnam County Business Council have coordinated their efforts to provide restaurant-prepared meals to Putnam County residents who are senior citizens, disabled, or who are immune-compromised as well as first responders and healthcare workers. The efforts will support the local economy by using Putnam County restaurants.

  “It is during times of crisis that Putnam County has a history of coming together and providing for one another,” said Amy Sayegh, founder of Community Cares. “This project allows us to protect those populations who are vulnerable to the effects of the Coronavirus while also providing a way to show our appreciation to those working on the front lines and put money back into our local economy.”

   Community Cares, a nonprofit that provides meals, house cleaning, and laundry services to families that are going through a medical crisis, will match up to $10,000 to pay for the family-style meals. The Putnam County Business Council has engaged the participation of restaurants from each community in the county. United Way of Westchester and Putnam will be identifying eligible recipients through its 211 Helpline and then coordinating the prepared meals with the recipients and the volunteer delivery drivers. 

   “Communities rely on their local businesses, especially restaurants, to support their causes throughout the year,” said Jennifer Mahopac, chairwoman of the Putnam County Business Council. “With all the restrictions this public health emergency has put on all of us, this is a great way to give back to those restaurants that have supported our communities for so long and help our residents.”

     In addition to working with the restaurants, these organizations are also recruiting volunteers to help deliver the meals. 

   “By working together we can have a greater impact on the Putnam County residents who need it, but we need the help of the public too,” said United Way of Westchester and Putnam CEO Tom Gabriel. “We are also looking for volunteers to deliver meals. You will not be in contact with the recipients, so we remain in line with the public health guidelines.” The deliveries will be dropped outside of the recipient’s door and gloves will also be provided.

   To be eligible for the meals, the recipient must be one of the following: a senior citizen, disabled, actively seeking treatment for chronic or terminal disease, a first responder–law enforcement, firefighter, EMS worker; or a healthcare worker. Verification will be required to ensure the standards of the program. There are no income restrictions for this program. The meals are for the household of the eligible recipient.

    Those interested in receiving meals can call 211.

    Donations can be done through the Community Cares website, communitycares.org, or on its Facebook page.

    Restaurants in Putnam County, which are interested in providing family-style meals-to-go for a set price, or individuals who want to be a volunteer delivery driver should email [email protected].

On March 22, Putnam County Government deemed United Way’s 211 Helpline as its point of information for the public during the COVID-19 emergency.

Emergency Services and the Putnam County Department of Health (PCDOH) are asking residents to help reduce the incoming call volume now and in the coming weeks. Putnam County residents can now call the easy-to-remember 2-1-1 number for updated, non-emergent Coronavirus information. As a timely reminder, 2-1-1 is a universally recognizable number that builds a critical connection, especially in times of need, between individuals and families and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.

“Keeping the phone lines open for our health department, hospitals, 9-1-1 staff and community partners is a top priority,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “They are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of you the resident. The 211 operators are now able to answer Putnam-related questions or direct you to the proper resources. We thank them for stepping in to help in this evolving situation.”

Tom Gabriel, President and CEO, United Way of Westchester and Putnam says, “We’re pleased to now partner with Putnam County to support their residents. We have worked with Westchester County with great success. People should know that by calling the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline for COVID-19 information, you reduce the call volume that might otherwise bog down 9-1-1 dispatchers.”

The 2-1-1 operators are equipped with the latest updates from Putnam as the impact of Coronavirus evolves. Callers to 2-1-1 can receive reliable information such as, symptoms of the virus, how to access vital services and up to date case numbers. Their website at www.uwwp.org also provides updated numbers of confirmed cases in Putnam, Westchester and the surrounding counties.

United Way’s 211 helpline received over 6,000 calls with 1,500 Coronavirus-specific calls, and we anticipate these to increase in the hours, days and weeks to come. We are currently fielding more than 100 calls that are coronavirus-specific per day. Residents from every county and community are calling 211, with the largest number being from New Rochelle (58%), followed by White Plains (15%), Yonkers (14%), Scarsdale (8%) and Mount Vernon (5%).

Every day 211 operates 24/7 and regularly works remotely. Our call center will continue to do so, answering questions, providing information, and even to calming a caller’s understandable anxiety about the unknown.

To help manage this increased demand caused by the pandemic, United Way core staff and temporary staff, originally assigned to Earned Income Tax Credit screening, are supplementing call centers phone lines.

White Plains, NY (January 31, 2020) –Are you eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and a larger refund? United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline helps residents find out with free screenings for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and tax preparation assistance.

On the opening day of tax season this year, the 211 Call Center in White Plains received over 1,000 client interactions (calls and texts) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The 211 call specialists are able to identify EITC eligibility and schedule free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers at locations throughout the Hudson Valley, with many sites in Westchester and Putnam.

January 31 marks the 14th anniversary of Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. This year, IRS and United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline are promoting EITC and encouraging residents to find out if they are eligible for the tax credit. The IRS estimates that only four-out-of-five workers claim the EITC they earned. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year.

Lini Jacob, Senior Vice President of United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline, said that this is one of the ways that United Way helps the ALICE population, those workers earning a low- to -moderate level income who are living paycheck-to paycheck. According to the ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) Report released by United Way in 2018, 30 percent of the residents living in Westchester and Putnam are earning less than a livable wage and are struggling to make ends meet.

“We want to get the word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any tax to claim the EITC,” said Jacob. “Its money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills.”

In 2019, 25 million workers received more than $63 billion in EITC refunds. United Way’s 211 Helpline assisted almost 4,000 residents in Westchester and Putnam receive refunds collectively totaling $9.8 million.

If you worked last year and had income of less than $55,952 check out your eligibility for EITC. EITC can mean up to a $6,557 refund when you file a return if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $529. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average amount credited for 2019 was $2,476.

Since the EITC is complex, 211 call specialists are trained to determine eligibility. It varies by income, family size, and your filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself.

The call specialists also set up free tax preparation appointments done by volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Westchester or the by Hudson CA$H Coalition in Putnam. These volunteers prepare and e-file (electronically file) your tax return at no cost to you.

“Our community volunteers help you get EITC and the maximum refund you’re due. Our goal is to help you get it and get it right. This is money you can save or use to pay off bills, buy that car to get to work or make a down payment on a home. Let us help make your life a little easier,” said Jacob.

To find out if you qualify for EITC and/or to schedule an appointment at a volunteer free tax return preparation site, call 211 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day through April 15.

Through United Way’s 211 Call Center, live trained professionals provide referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week about food assistance, housing and shelters, utilities, abuse prevention, suicide, foster parenting, medical help and more. The call center handles about 80,000 calls a year.

Call specialists have an expansive database at their fingertips that they can use to search out resources by zip code. They also have access to a service that can translate 200 languages from Swahili to Mandarin. Several call specialists are also fluent in Spanish, which is the most common second language spoken by callers.

Individuals can reach a live Community Resource Specialist by dialing 211. To reach the 211 Helpline via text, send your zip code to 898211 (txt211). Its database is also available online at 211hudsonvalley.org. United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline serves residents in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

(WHITE PLAINS, NY – January 2, 2020 ) United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline is increasing the number of hours text messaging is available to better serve the needs of the community. People can now text for help from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Since we launched the text messaging feature last February, we have monitored its usage and believe that by doubling the number of hours we can offer text messaging to the public we will be able to address the needs of exponentially more individuals,” said Lini Jacob, senior vice president of United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline.

The hours of the text messaging capabilities coincide with when the Hudson Valley 211 Call Center receives the most amount of calls to maximize its usage.  United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 Helpline serves residents in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

Through United Way’s 211 Call Center, live trained professionals provide referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week about food assistance, housing and shelters, utilities, abuse prevention, suicide, foster parenting, medical help and more. The call center handles about 80,000 calls a year.

Call specialists have an expansive database at their fingertips that they can use to search out resources by zip code. They also have access to a service that can translate 200 languages from Swahili to Mandarin. Several call specialists are also fluent in Spanish, which is the most common second language spoken by callers.

To reach the 211 Helpline via text, send your zip code to 898211 (txt211). Individuals can reach a live Community Resource Specialist by dialing 211. Its database is also available online at 211hudsonvalley.org.