In the year 2000, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), designated 2-1-1 as the national phone number for access to health and human services information.

When 2-1-1 came to Pinellas County in 2001 it was the first in the state of Florida and 8th in the country. 2-1-1 is a free, 3-digit telephone number to “Find Help” or to “Give Help” and connects citizens with needed services
24 hours a day/365 days a year.

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. (“2-1-1TBC”) is recognized by Pinellas County Government as the primary source of information regarding human services resources for victims of major disasters in Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando Counties. As a member of the countywide disaster recovery network 2-1-1’s primary mission during times of disaster is to maximize community access to critical resources.

We will do so by adapting our normal information gathering and service delivery procedures to meet the circumstances of specific disasters.

Pre and post disaster, 2-1-1 TBC expands it’s focus to include referrals for emergency information to operational service providers and to disaster-specific services provided by the community.

2-1-1 TBC will provide current and accurate information regarding:

• Disaster information and assistance
• Maintain access to the 2-1-1 number
• Website access to disaster related information and assistance
• Maintaining the connection with local service providers regarding services available

During the recovery phase of a disaster, 2-1-1 TBC will provide a broad variety of information & referral and crisis intervention services on health and human service issues as well as information & referral for volunteer and donation opportunities in Pinellas, Hernando and Citrus Counties.