It has been almost two years since we posted about the 2-1-1 services.

The free 2-1-1 services connect you to various information including support groups, drug treatment, elderly needs, homework help along with how to volunteer or provide assists during a crisis. The service is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Mandarin, and 140 other languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call is confidential.

Now, along with dialing 2-1-1 you may access the information online through their website’s online database. You may search the database or drilldown within topics.

The United Way reports that from September 1 to November 30, 2008, calls to the 2-1-1 Santa Clara County information and referral service seeking food increased by 58 percent over the same period last year. Requests for housing jumped 22 percent.

Information available online or by dialing 2-1-1 include:

Clothing, Food, Personal Goods and Services
Disaster Planning, Response and Recovery
Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Education and Training
Employment Services and Financial Assistance
Family, Individual and Community Services
Health, Fitness and Environmental Services
Housing, Shelter and Transportation
Legal, Immigration and Criminal Services
Mental Health and Counseling Services
Self Help Groups and Services
Senior and Disability Services

To access the 2-1-1 database along with more information about the service and United Way’s involvement, check here.

If 2-1-1 is unavailable via your service provider: 866.896.3587

TTY dial: 866.390.6845

The 2-1-1 services are available throughout the Bay Area.

Bank on San Jose is part of the Bank on California initiative launched by Governor Schwarzenegger, which brings more working class families into mainstream financial markets by encouraging the opening of special low-cost, starter bank accounts.

In San Jose, more than $25 million in fees were paid to non-bank check-cashing services and payday lenders in 2006. Checks totaling more than $574 million were cashed through non-bank check-cashing services.

“Imagine the economic and social benefits of keeping this $25 million in the hands of low and middle-income San Jose residents,” Carole Leigh Hutton, United Way Silicon Valley President and CEO said. “It could be used to build assets like a home, business, education or retirement savings.”

Requirements vary at the participating banks and credit unions with opening deposits ranging from $1.00 to $100.00, no monthly fee to $5.95, and most not requiring a minimum balance. I did not readily see the difference between regular accounts and the Bank on San Jose accounts for some institutions where as with others there was a significant advantage. It would be advantageous to check your options closely. Detailed information of the participating banks and credit unions here (PDF).

More information is available on the United Way Silicon Valley website.