Subject:
Title
Funding agreement with 211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. for call center operations.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the funding agreement with 211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. for call center operations.
• This Funding Agreement provides for the only free, confidential, multi-lingual, 24-hour access to community information, services, and resources.
• The Board of County Commissioners previously approved the following items related to the program: Legistar 19-1150A and amended it with Legistar 23-0359A.
• Funding in an amount not to exceed $563,062.50 annually has been included in the Human Services’ Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund Budget. This agreement will be in effect beginning October 1, 2024, and continue for a period of 36 months, expiring on September 30, 2027.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This Agreement will allow 211 to continue to provide critical support services for Pinellas County residents in need by supporting staff and operations for a community information and referral call center. Trained staff provide callers with information and referrals to community resources, human services, financial assistance, medical and behavioral healthcare, substance abuse programs and volunteer opportunities.
Background/Explanation:
In addition to general assistance calls, 211 provides 24-hour access to crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. In Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), 211 answered 207,938 total contacts (phone, email, text and chats).
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $563,062.50 has been identified in the Human Services’ 2025 (FY25) General Fund Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc.
Attachments:
Agreement