Almost every major city in the United States has a “211” system to organize nonprofit service information and make it available to the public. People can call 2-1-1 or go to the system’s website and find a directory of all health, human and social services available in their area.
New York City doesn’t have a 2-1-1- system and New Yorkers in need suffer needlessly everyday because of that. It’s hard to believe but it’s true: we literally can’t see our own city’s safety net.
As Public Advocate, I will create an open source directory of all available health, human and social services available in New York City, and make that information accessible on your computer, your phone and through partner organizations throughout the city.
I’m already doing this work organizing and building software for Open Referral and Mutual Aid NYC.