Media contacts:  
Kendra Wheeler, media relations manager
United Way of Greater Cleveland
216-436-2122, 216-849-4922 cell
kwheeler@unitedwaycleveland.org  

Jenna Snyder, VP, Community Engagement
United Way of Greater Cleveland
216-436-2120, 440-804-4496 cell
jsnyder@unitedwaycleveland.org

Helpline estimated to assist 10,000 veterans with social, health and government resources

CLEVELAND (November 11, 2013) Today, United Way of Greater Cleveland President and CEO Bill Kitson and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald announced the launch of United Way 2-1-1 Help 2 Veterans. In the first year, the information and referral helpline is estimated to support 10,000 local veterans and their families.

“Those who serve in the military make extraordinary sacrifices to protect each and every American,” says Kitson. “United Way 2-1-1 Help 2 Veterans is our commitment to help veterans and their loved ones get the services and assistance they need and deserve.”

The free and confidential helpline is available 24/7 to veterans, active duty military, reservists, national guards and their families. When they dial 2-1-1, they are connected to information and referral specialists specifically trained to assist them in locating and accessing social, health and government resources throughout Cuyahoga County, such as:

• Employment services
• Food, housing and utility assistance
• Counseling services
• Family support programs
• Legal services
• Tax preparation assistance
• Volunteer opportunities

“Cuyahoga County is proud to help United Way connect veterans to their communities and to critical services,” said FitzGerald. “The military experience often takes an emotional and physical toll on our veterans and military service men and women long after they return home. The United Way 2-1-1 Help 2 Veterans is another small effort toward supporting those who have already given us so much.”  

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United Way 2-1-1 is a 24/7 free and confidential information and referral helpline serving Cuyahoga, Ashland, Geauga, Lawrence, Medina, Portage, Wayne and Holmes counties. For assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211oh.org.

United Way of Greater Cleveland is a leader in mobilizing people to give, advocate and volunteer to advance education, income and health in our community. Join us and LIVE UNITED. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayCleveland.org.