GRANT FROM BUSINESS CREATES 2-1-1

By Jon Mayhew (LINCOLNTON) -- Thanks to a start-up grant from RSI Home Products in Lincolnton, there’s a new telephone number Lincoln County residents can call for a variety of information.

According to Laura Slack with the United Way of Lincoln County, the new number is 2-1-1.

“It’s a free, 24-hour referral service provided to residents of Lincoln County,” said Slack. “Just as people call 9-1-1 for emergencies and 4-1-1 for information, callers in Lincoln County can now dial 2-1-1 and speak with a trained referral specialists who listen and direct callers to the health and human service program that is best able to meet their needs.”

People with Internet access can also visit the Web site www.nc211.org. Organizations who wish to be listed as a referral agency can email Herndon@gfhs.info.

Cell phone users can access 2-1-1 by calling toll-free (888) 892-1162. For additional information, call the United Way of Lincoln County at (704) 732-8055.