a recently-launched hotline could expand, if congress approves a bill that would increase funding to the program. the 2-1-1 hotline is operating in santa cruz county, and elsewhere in the san francisco-bay area. by calling 2-1-1, people who are in distress can be matched with a social worker who can help them. a bill authored by representative anna eshoo would authorize 100-million dollars per year for the program, through 2014. the funds would be used to match money already allocated for the hotline by local governments or non-profits. united way funds the 2-1-1 hotline in santa cruz county.
