United Way Calls on Louisiana Residents to Help Save 2-1-1

Louisiana Association of United Ways recently launched a state-wide campaign to help fund and save their 2-1-1 service - an easy to remember number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.

Due to recent budget cuts, Governor Jindal signed a bill (RS 47:120.111) that will allow Louisiana residents to donate a portion of their tax returns to help keep 2-1-1 going.

Individuals who file an individual return and have overpaid their tax, may choose to donate all or part of their overpayment - which is shown on Line 32 of Form IT-540-2D to the organizations or funds listed. On line 13 of their returns, residents can designate the amount of overpayment they wish to donate to the “Louisiana Association of United Ways” 2-1-1 Service.

The campaign itself focus on Louisiana’s “Go-to-Guy” – a character that represents a trusted source of information for so many Louisiana residents, whether it be during a catastrophic event, or any given day of the week.

According to Trista Brazan, St. John United Way Executive Director, “An average 250,000 people a year call 2-1-1, in both good times and bad. Now, we need Louisiana residents help to keep it available to those who need it most. It’s important to remember that one day, the person needing help, might just be you or someone you love.”

2-1-1 is committed to helping individuals, families and communities identify, understand and effectively use all available resources; and to strengthening their capacity for self-reliance and self determination through education, affirmation, advocacy, collaborative planning and problem solving. Government cutbacks, welfare reform, corporate down-sizing, and the emerging complexities seen in today's society has impacted the human service delivery system and increased the need for information and referral.