EDITORIAL
New 211 hotline is a community asset

A valuable statewide social service took on new life this week with a new name and expanded hours of service.

It's called the 211 hotline. Simply by dialing 211 from any place in the state, callers reach a comprehensive information and referral office that can put them in touch with close to 1,700 public and private service agencies.

Think of it as a form of the familiar 411 information line, only in this case trained volunteers will help you figure out the best source of information for your concern or problem — everything from job opportunities to medical services.

It is supported by a $300,000 grant from Aloha United Way.

With that fresh source of support, the 211 line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is a good example of how contributions to United Way can be leveraged to provide broad benefits to the community. The 211 line not only is a ready source of help, it eases the burden on emergency lines such as the police and fire 911 emergency line, civil defense and others.

Correction: The 211 telephone hotline is operated by Aloha United Way, an earlier version of this editorial contained incorrect information because of an editorial writer's error.