AARP and United Way Launch 211 Program to Help Washington Caregivers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 13, 2023

Contact:  Jason Erskine / 206-517-9345 / jerskine@aarp.org

AARP and United Way Launch 211 Program to Help Washington Caregivers

AARP Washington has joined forces with 211 and United Way Worldwide to connect residents with trained, compassionate people in their communities who can provide caregiving help at any time, any day. People who provide care for someone—like a family member or friend—need care, too, but navigating available services or programs that can help can be a challenge. Through 211, a free information and referral helpline, caregivers can talk to actual individuals in their community to find local resources for loved ones and themselves, too.

211 connects individuals with expert, caring help. Through 211, family caregivers can:

• Get immediate support and talk with a local resource specialist.
• Address basic necessities such as housing, food and utilities for themselves and their loved ones.

• Connect to local services and organizations who can help with transportation needs of loved ones, provide healthcare and information and resources including prescription payment assistance, and access to food delivery services, home safety programs, veterans’ benefits, and more.

• Get referrals to specialized help for themselves and their loved ones.

“As champions for caregivers, we know at AARP that caregiving can be a complex and challenging role, and many may not know where to turn to for help or may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of resources available,” said AARP State Director Marguerite Ro. “211 simplifies the process by helping caregivers connect to programs and services, access financial assistance and emotional support in their communities, and more.”

"Across America, 211 is seeing continued demand for local services to help family caregivers and their loved ones,” said Joshua Pedersen, Senior Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide. “Often, someone might call, text or chat 211 to find out what support is available for their loved one, and the call specialist is trained to hear when they need more support for themselves, too. By joining forces with AARP, this will help fill a critical resource gap. “

211 trained call specialists respond to 50,000 requests for help every day all over the U.S. and tap into 1.5 million locally curated resources. Washingtonians can get the local information they need by simply dialing 211 today for free help. Dial 211 or visit www.aarp.org/211care.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

About United Way
United Way is one of the world's largest privately funded charities, serving 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries. Every year, we make life better for 48 million people, working with 45,000 private, public, and 29,000 community partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.

About 211
Every day, millions of people across America face challenges, but don’t know where to turn for help.  211 provides expert, caring help in real time (and 180 languages) across 99% of the U.S.. It’s a phone number, text-messaging service and website that connects people with local resources. Learn more at 211.org