Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
United Way asks county to restore $10,626 annual support for 211 referral service
Summary
Dale, president and CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry, told the committee the 211 information-and-referral service is used by many households and sought $10,626 per year after the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office funding ended in October; the item will be considered in the upcoming budget cycle.
Dale, president and CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry, briefed the committee on the 211 information-and-referral system and requested county support after a prior funding source ended.
He said 211 provides 24/7 referral services (phone, web, text) for rent, childcare, food and other services and is critical during disasters; he cited Hurricane Helene as an example when 17,000 people were helped through 211 statewide. "34% of households in Beaufort County cannot live here without some form of assistance," Dale said, framing 211 as an important access point. He told the committee that funding formerly provided by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office ended in October and the United Way's budget lacks capacity to absorb the ongoing cost; he requested $10,626 per year to sustain the local service.
County staff said the request would be part of the upcoming budget process and that funding, if approved, would likely be available beginning in July. Committee members thanked Dale for the briefing; no immediate appropriation was made at the meeting.
