When to call 211 for help in Rhode Island
United Way of Rhode Island President and CEO Cortney Nicolato said the 211 helpline received nearly 400 calls during the blizzard.
Nicolato said the 24/7 helpline is “the front door to social services” in Rhode Island, and that staffers answer calls to relay information and provide referrals as needed.
“They want to know when their energy is going to be back up,” Nicolato said. “We can do warm handoffs to Rhode Island Energy, as an example, [or provide a] list of warming shelters and where folks can go to receive those services.”
Rhode Islanders can also call to get information about access to food resources and insight about parking bans or closures, school closures, childcare closures, and more.