JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)

Plain-English Summary

This bill would direct $500,000 in state funds to the United Way of Rhode Island to help keep the 2-1-1 hotline up and running. The 2-1-1 service is a free, around-the-clock phone and online helpline that connects people to a wide range of community resources, such as food assistance, housing help, mental health services, utility assistance, and other social programs. Think of it as a one-stop information line that helps people find the support they need without having to search through multiple agencies on their own.

The money would go toward the day-to-day costs of operating the system — things like staffing the phone lines, maintaining technology, and keeping the service available to anyone who calls. The United Way of Rhode Island currently runs the 2-1-1 system in the state, and this appropriation would provide direct government funding to support that work.

This bill affects Rhode Island residents broadly, but particularly those who rely on social services or are going through a difficult time and need help navigating available resources. It also affects the United Way of Rhode Island as the organization that would receive and manage the funds. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee, where lawmakers will review the proposed spending before it can move further in the legislative process.