(Statewide, New Hampshire) – As it approaches its 10 years in service, 211 NH, the information and referral service for New Hampshire residents, has broken its 1 Millionth mark. This month they officially helped 1 million people during its decade in existence.
211 NH is a collaborative effort between the United Ways of New Hampshire, with support from Eversource Energy. The information and referral service was launched on June 11 2008, after more than 8 years of planning. This groundbreaking service allowed residents of New Hampshire to use a simple, easy to remember phone number to access a myriad of human service programs. Since its inception a website was developed to offer residents the opportunity to search for everything from fuel assistance and housing to pro bono legal services.
United Ways across the nation support this service and have a long-standing tradition of commitment to funding information and referral services in their respective communities. They have also declared February 11th National 211 Day.
“This important service has served as a connector for New Hampshire residents and has served more than 1 million residents of New Hampshire over the past ten years,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “This is truly a collaborative effort with all of the United Ways in the state invested, working with local and statewide agencies and the generous support of Eversource Energy.”
Eversource Energy has been a key supporter to the program from the beginning. The company provides both office space and technology to run the program.
“As people throughout New Hampshire face a variety of significant challenges, it is critically important that programs like 211 NH are available to individuals and families who need assistance,” said Eversource New Hampshire President Bill Quinlan. “We are thrilled to join 211 NH in celebrating the 1 million lives that were touched by the specialists who have connected them with life-changing services. We look forward to our continued partnership to ensure the organization may continue helping to improve the health of the communities we serve.”
One of those million residents was Melissa Minuti who was facing foreclosure on her first home.
“The 211 NH service was a god-send. After trying other avenues, I called and was immediately connected with someone who really cared about my situation. I didn’t feel like a number,” said Minuti. “It was a scary place to be, but with the help of 211 NH I was able to access a foreclosure prevention program, get the legal advice I needed and save my home.”