2-1-1 Phone System Helps Evacuees

COLORADO SPRINGS – With the fires in both Fort Carson and Ordway, you might be wondering how you can help. One major way to find out how is by calling the 2-1-1 phone system.

The 2-1-1 phone number system,a service of the United Way,typically fields health and human services related questions. But with the Fort Carson fire, the number has been used to provide vital information for evacuees with staffers working round the clock to answer calls.

“With not a whole lot of sleep, folks are really excited about being able to help people,” says Anne Beer,United WayCommunications Information Systems Manager.

The phone system has taken over 400 calls since Tuesday night and callers aren’t just seeking assistance.

“It was also for people who wanted to donate money, donate goods, donate their personal property. We had a number of people who offered to take large animals and help transport them,” says Beer.

On Wednesday, 2-1-1 will return to normal hours of 8am to 5pm, Mondays thru Fridays.