VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A call center dedicated to connecting people in need with available services is getting more space thanks to a major state grant.
New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie joined Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo at the United Way of Broome County in Vestal this morning to announce a $1 million grant. The money will cover the cost of putting an addition onto the United Way building to house an expanded 211 center.
The 211 Susquehanna River Region Community Resource Center offers referrals to callers seeking help with food insecurity, homelessness, rental and heat assistance and other social service needs.
Heastie, who is on his annual statewide tour, says Lupardo lobbied him for the much-needed expansion.
“This is your money, this is taxpayer money, and I couldn’t think of anything better to spend taxpayer money on than expanding a system, or actually giving adequate spacing to a system that will end up saving and preserving people’s lives,” said Heastie.
The 211 call center serves five counties in our region: Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego.