2-1-1 Texas: Key Legislative Messages
WHAT IS 2-1-1 TEXAS?
2-1-1 Texas (www.211texas.org) is a collaborative effort between the Texas Health and Human Services
Commission and various local organizations, including those represented by the Texas Alliance of Information
and Referral Systems (www.tairs.org). 2-1-1 Texas brings people and services together, either via the
telephone or the Internet. In essence, 2-1-1 gives the people of Texas accurate and comprehensive nonemergency information that quickly gets them where they need to go in order to maintain productivity and
independence.
HOW DOES 2-1-1 WORK?
2-1-1, or the web link of www.211texas.org, is a free telephone number that people anywhere in Texas can
dial 24/7 when they need information and referrals to social services, including during times of disaster and
recovery. All calls into the 2-1-1 system are answered by trained, professional call specialists working at the
local level within Area Information Centers in collaboration with the Texas Health and Human Services
Commission. 2-1-1 Texas is community-grounded, community-focused and community-connected.
WHY SHOULD LEGISLATORS AND STAFF CARE ABOUT 2-1-1 TEXAS?
(1) 2-1-1 Texas is a tremendous resource for constituents needing
help finding social services.
(2) 2-1-1 Texas staff experts collect local-level data and trends about
callers’ needs that can be made available to legislators and staff.
(3) 2-1-1 Texas is an excellent resource for people with special needs
and circumstances, such as our veterans and people seeking
assistance during times of disaster and recovery.
2-1-1 Texas is a key lifeline for our
customers needing assistance paying their
electric bills. We know that if customers
need help with their electric bills, most
likely they need help with other health and
human service needs. 2-1-1 Texas links
them to community organizations that can
help.
Kim Campbell, Senior Manager
Customer Advocacy, TXU Energy
For more information about 2-1-1 Texas or the TAIRS organization,
contact Mr. Matt Yell, TAIRS Board President at (940) 322-8638 x 13 or [email protected].