News Releases

Storm Preparation Also Means Knowing How To Access Important Resources In An Emergency

Learn When to Call The Children’s Trust Helpline at 2-1-1 or Miami-Dade County Government at 3-1-1

MIAMI, FL – August 22, 2011 – Under the threat of a storm or other emergency situation, it is important to know what resources are available in our community. Knowing the difference between 2-1-1 and 3-1-1 is key to getting the type of assistance you need, when you need it most.

The Children's Trust 2-1-1 Helpline is a central clearinghouse for social services in our community, and provides information and referral as well as emotional support to individuals, youth and families of all ages in Miami-Dade County. The Children's Trust 2-1-1 Helpline is operated by Switchboard of Miami, a private, nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive telephone crisis counseling, suicide prevention, as well as information and referral services, emotional and psychological support, youth and family counseling.

The 2-1-1 line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English, Spanish and Creole.

For more information on The Children's Trust 211 Helpline, please visit www.thechildrenstrust.org/211.

The Miami-Dade County's 3-1-1 Answer Center is a multi-jurisdictional call center that provides non-emergency government services and information. In the event of a storm or other emergency, the 3-1-1 Answer Center can help residents obtain information regarding County services, evacuation zones and shelters, and general hurricane preparedness measures. After the emergency, the 3-1-1 Answer Center can provide information about shelters, feeding sites and assistance centers, information regarding recovery efforts, as well as referrals to non-profit organizations offering assistance to residents.