Editorial

211 Call for Help

United Way affiliates around Missouri announced last week a new statewide phone number, 211, to provide information and referrals to people who need help.

Area residents have become accustomed to First Call for Help, a program established several years ago by the United Way of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau.

The program was designed to be the call-in epicenter for anyone who needed a social service.

Over the last two years, First Call for Help has seen an increase in calls of 34 percent.

The new 211 number will provide the same service locally and allow more people to get help.

Previously, people living in some Bootheel counties -- some of the poorest areas of the state -- have not been able to use First Call for Help. Now the 211 number is available statewide.

The Cape Girardeau area, and many communities across the state, have invested much time and resources into programs to help those who are don't know where else to turn for help.

There is always concern that some folks fall through the cracks because they're not informed about the help that is available. The 211 number is another tool to make it easier for people to get the assistance that their neighbors are trying to provide.

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