Senator Leticia Van de Putte
Guest Commentary

The community should be made aware of a valuable resource in our community – 2-1-1, the United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County Alamo Area Information Center. By dialing 2-1-1, you can receive free information and referrals to health and human services. Information & Referral (I&R) Specialists connect callers with critical services provided by nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

2-1-1 can be used by anyone coping with a crisis or someone who is just having difficulty navigating the complex social service system; this includes the elderly, disabled, non-English speakers, and veterans, military service members, and their families. The program’s goal is to create the opportunity for people to seek information before situations become critical.

An exciting new development in the 2-1-1 system stems from S.B. 1058, passed last legislative session, which requires I&R Specialists to be trained in services for veterans and the military and their families. That specialized training is happening now and will offer a new way for service members and families to connect with services.

Trained I&R Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Generally, 80 percent of calls are answered in 60 seconds. In 2007, the Alamo 2-1-1 call center responded to 190,236 callers.

The 2-1-1 social service system includes more than 800 public and nonprofit agencies providing more than 4,900 programs in Bexar and the surrounding 11 counties. 2-1-1 has formed several community partnerships which can assist callers with issues including: Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Food Stamps and Child Care.

With the tax filing deadline upon us, I would like to remind readers of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It is my goal to help as many families as possible take advantage of the EITC and use our communities’ free tax-preparation services offered through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. Call 2-1-1 for the VITA location nearest you.

Starting in May, the Department of the Treasury will begin sending Economic Stimulus Payments to more than 130 million individuals. The vast majority of Americans who qualify for an economic stimulus payment will not have to do anything other than file their 2007 income tax return. Select taxpayers who normally do not have to file, may be eligible if they had at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, and certain Veterans’ benefits. The VITA program can assist you in preparing your return.

As summer approaches, 2-1-1 can provide information on programs of special interest to the elderly and to families with young children. Project Cool provides fans to seniors age 60 and older. The Summer Feeding Program provides free nutritious meals and snacks to children age 18 and under. Meals are provided at various locations throughout the city.