This article was contributed by United Way of San Benito County.
Giving to the United Way of San Benito County is the most powerful investment you can make in our community. By working together we can create a good life for all residents of San Benito County. United Way pools your contribution with gifts from other caring people to fund programs and initiatives that make a real difference to people who are in urgent need, and to create meaningful, lasting change in our community.
United Way of San Benito County launched an important initiative in 2013: 2-1-1. It’s a free phone number and online database that connects residents quickly and efficiently to health and human services programs, support services, nonprofit programs and disaster response information 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in 150 different languages.
Currently, United Way 2-1-1 is collaborating on:
- Disaster preparedness with San Benito County Office of Emergency Services
- Family Impact Center with multiple nonprofit and county agencies
- Census information with county and state agencies
The 2-1-1 initiative has helped connect over 2,700 San Benito County residents to services, including a woman who was a victim of human trafficking. Virginia, fearing for her safety and that of her husband, escaped across the US border and reached an interpreter that got her onto a 2-1-1 phone call. Through 2-1-1, Virginia was able to get help and reconnect with her family in Hollister.
United Way’s Stuff the Bus initiative has provided over 10,000 backpacks filled with supplies to local children who otherwise would not have the items necessary to start school prepared. Successful children equal successful adults equal successful community. We envision a community that works together to create opportunities for a good life for all!
Click HERE to make a donation in support of United Way of San Benito County now through September 10 during San Benito GIVES.