East Texas call service spreads to cover state
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

An East Texas-based call service, 2-1-1 East Texas, has spread to cover the entire state. The call service, started in 2004, helps callers connect to the myriad of resources available in East Texas.

La Juan Hollis, director of 2-1-1 East Texas, said the service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It's a free service for callers, " Hollis said. "It functions as an information and referral service that provides callers with any information you could possibly need."

The call center is based out of the United Way building in Tyler on South Park Drive.

Hollis said in the past East Texas had so many services available to the consumer, it was difficult for a person to find the one needed for a particular scenario. The maze of resources was long, and reated search into what service provided what resource was almost required.

"Now anyone who has a problem and doesn't know where to start can call 2-1-1," Hollis said.

The call service spread to cover all of Texas in 2006. Over 30 other states have cre- a 2-1-1 call service as well, and most of Canada has access to a similar service, Hollis said.

"I don't know if 2-1-1 East Texas can cure everything," Hollis said, "but it sure makes finding the cure a lot easier."

Hollis said an example of one using the call service might include someone who doesn't have the money to pay for electric or water utility services might call 2-1-1 and find a group to help through the call service.

"We will help the caller prioritize, " Hollis said.

Hollis also said the service's future plans include both continuing to serve the area, and making sure every- one in East Texas knows about 2-1-1 East Texas.

According to a press release from the service, 2-1-1 assisted 33,446 East Texans in 2007.

The call service hopes to serve over 43,000 in 2008, Hollis said.

The group also provides assistance in over 150 languages.

The press released stated the resources provided by 2-1-1 East Texas include, but are not limited to:

Food, clothes, shelter and housing Utility and prescription assistance Counseling and support groups Legal counsel and government offices Seniors, children and disabled services Medical and dental assistance Job assistance and child care