TOLEDO—United Way of Greater Toledo celebrated National 2-1-1 Day Feb. 11 by announcing a new Web service. Individuals can now log onto the United Way’s Web site to get connected to the help and resources needed.

United Way 2-1-1 has provided information and referral service to residents of Lucas and Ottawa counties since March 2005 and Wood and Erie counties since November 2006. However, prior to Feb. 11, United Way 2-1-1 service was only available by calling 2-1-1 or by making a request in person at the United Way 2-1-1 office in downtown Toledo.

“Although our information and referral specialists will continue to take walk-ins and phone calls, the new online service offers yet another way for people to get connected,” says Jeanette Hrovatich, director of United Way 2-1-1.

In order to access United Way 2-1-1 online, individuals must visit www.unitedwaytoledo.org, click on the United Way 2-1-1 logo and then on the “Information and Referral” button on the right hand column. Individuals can then search by the name of an agency or by the service they need. Entering a ZIP code will narrow the search geographically. The online option also provides agencies a quick way to update their data, thus ensuring more accurate referrals.

United Way 2-1-1 online helps eliminate the stress of getting connected to help. United Way 2-1-1 is a confidential, bi-lingual service, accessible to everyone at no cost and available 24 hours, seven days a week.