Carter funds community service hotline for Valdosta

VALDOSTA - Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) secured $213,000 for the Greater Valdosta United Way to implement 2-1-1 services as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

2-1-1 is a thorough resource for information about regional services and resources nationwide. This hotline allows constituents to be connected to community services related to hunger, health care, utility and eviction assistance, mental health counseling, transportation, job training, childcare, and more.

"The United Way's 2-1-1 program is a vital tool for many people to get the help and assistance they need. With this funding, more people in rural areas will be able to get connected with health care providers, childcare, food assistance, and more. I'm glad to have the United Way as a partner in the First District and am excited for the residents of Valdosta and the western part of our district to benefit from this service," said Rep. Carter.

This funding will bring 2-1-1 into a 19-county region in rural South Georgia, including five counties in Georgia's First Congressional District.

"The Greater Valdosta United Way is very grateful for Congressman Carter's leadership and his efforts to secure federal funding to bring the 2-1-1 system to 19 counties in rural South Georgia, including the western part of the 1st District. The 2-1-1 system will allow residents to dial 211 on their phones to connect to various agencies and meet many social challenges in our communities. Congressman Carter understands the need facing so many, and we appreciate his hard work on this issue," said Michael Smith, CEO and President of Greater Valdosta United Way.

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