For Immediate Release
October 8, 2007
Contact:
Rhyan Van Rozeboom
805-544-6016
hotline@slohotline.org
www.slohotline.org
PG & E Offers a Matching
Grant of $50,000 to Help Hotline of San Luis Obispo County Convert
to 211
Pacific Gas and Electric Company donated $10,000 to Hotline of San Luis Obispo County in order to jump-start the county’s use of 211 for social service information and referral. In addition, PG & E committed to match up-to $50,000 more, in two stages. If Hotline is successful in raising $25,000 by mid-March, PG & E will match it dollar for dollar. Another $25,000 is available for matching by September 30th - a total of $100,000 for 211.
211 is the easy-to-remember phone number that connects people to the health and human services they need, whether it is finding childcare, counseling or senior resources 24 hours every day. It is especially important in disaster situations, providing a reliable way to communicate critical information to the public and coordinate up-to-the-minute access to needed services. The grant from PG & E will fund start-up expenses for the project.
“PG & E is a major supporter of emergency preparedness, and we believe that 211 will make this community safer in times of emergency and will provide an important everyday safety-net for those who need services,” said Tom Jones, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager.
Today, 209 active 211 systems cover all or part of 41 states – over 65% of the US population. In California, eight California counties, covering over 67% of the state’s population, are 211 accessible, and that will increase to 80% by the end of 2007
While preparing for the next stage, Hotline continues to offer free and confidential information, referral, support and crisis intervention to the residents of San Luis Obispo County through their current phone number: 549-8989 or toll free, (800) 549-8989.
For more information about Hotline or 211, please contact Evan Mendelson, 544-6016.
(Please see picture on next page.)
Left to Right: Evan Mendelson, Executive Director for Hotline of SLO County; Karen Fields, President; Tom Jones, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager; Supervisor Jerry Lenthall and Tim Williams, Co-Chairs of the 211 Steering Committee
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