WPRI, United Way to help relief effort

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - As Rhode Islanders clean up from Irene's impact, many are left without power and have significant damage to their homes and property, Eyewitness News has teamed up with the United Way of Rhode Island to help in the storm relief effort.

If you'd like to offer aid for your friends and neighbors, call United Way's 2-1-1 line.

All money collected will help clean-up efforts in the state.

United Way 2-1-1- was designated as the emergency information and referral center for the state in response to Gov. Lincoln Chafee's state of emergency declaration.

Volunteers wil be staffing United Way's 2-1-1 line, answer questions for Rhode Islanders affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

Residents are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 for information regarding:

• Basic needs like food, clothing & shelter
• Health care
• Childcare
• Counseling
• Crisis intervention
• Senior services/elder care
• Disability services

Callers can speak confidentially with an Information and Referral professional who will assess the caller's needs and then provide information regarding which social service provider is most appropriate to handle the issue that prompted the call. And 2-1-1 help is available in 175 languages and dialects.