Archive: News

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) announced Thursday that he has successfully secured $50,000 for the Tompkins County 211 Call Center to remain operational and continue providing vital services for local residents at no cost.

“The 211 Call Center has been widely successful in connecting Tompkins County residents with the critical services they need in an efficient and effective way,” Arcuri said.  “Ensuring that the 211 Call Center remains operational is absolutely necessary as more and more local residents turn to the call center to meet their needs.”

“In light of the severe cutbacks in funding for the 211 service in the New York State funding in 2009 and the beginning of 2010, these funds are essential to keep our services operational,” Ed Swayze, 211/Information and Referral Program Director said. “Multiple organizations and individuals in Tompkins County have expressed a real need for the 211 service, particularly in this economic recession.  This federal funding will allow the 211 Call Center to continue to offer that critical service to Tompkins County.”

The $50,000 secured by Arcuri for the 211 Call Center is included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which is expected to pass in the House of Representatives later this week and then go on to the Senate for approval.

Funding will be used to support the 211 Call Center in Tompkins County, by supplementing local operating support for staffing, space, telephone and other essential components of the service. The 211 Call Center is part of a state-wide and national system of call centers that works to help callers find health care, services for seniors, programs for people with disabilities, legal services, housing assistance, food resources, financial assistance, consumer information, transportation, day care, youth programs, mental health services, alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs, employment services, recreation, volunteer opportunities, and other community services.

New York State recently cut funding from 211 programs and this federal funding will be used to keep the 211 Call Center operational, which employs local residents.

----
v5i48