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211 Helpline

YOUR LIFELINE TO ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES

211 serves as a lifeline for individuals and families in need. Our operators are available around the clock, 365 days a year, and offer assistance in multiple languages. They can connect residents to basic emergency services (like housing and food), job training assistance, translation services, mental health services, and more.

Visit the 211 website for more information, or call 211 directly. (A toll-free option is also available: 1-866-559-4211). You can also text HELP to 898211 or use the codes listed below to get more information on specific services.

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RELIEF FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE THROUGH COMMUNITY HELP (REACH)

The Dollar Energy Fund oversees the REACH program, and United Way Fresno and Madera Counties is a third party providing the screening process via phone and assistance with filling out an application for the REACH Program, if qualified. This program helps individuals and families in Fresno and Madera County pay for energy bill during a crisis.

REACH FUNDING IS CURRENTLY EXPIRED FOR THE 2024 YEAR. THIS PROGRAM WILL LIKELY RETURN IN EARLY 2025.

REACH provides energy credit (gas & electric) for up to $500 based on the past due bill (energy credit support is subject to funding availability).

Qualifying details on how a customer may be eligible for the program listed below:

  • Customers MUST have a residential account with a utility company in the name of an adult living in the household.
  • Customers MUST not have received REACH assistance within the past 12 months (PLEASE NOTE: REACH is available only once within a 12-month period and customers must qualify for the program).
  • Customer income MUST NOT exceed the REACH income guidelines, which are currently 200% above the federal poverty guidelines.
  • Customer MUST have received either a 15-day or 48-hour disconnection notice
  • This is not an all-inclusive list and is subject to periodic modifications. All guidelines are established by the REACH program.

Languages Offered: Spanish, English

Here are the steps to complete the application process:

  1. Fill out the Google form: Visit this link and complete the Google form with your information and details of your interest in receiving assistance.
  2. Form submission: Once you have filled out the form, click on the submit button to send your information.
  3. Specialist contact: After we receive your form, our specialist will reach out to you within 48 business hours to schedule a screening session.
  4. Screening session: During the screening session, our specialist will gather more information about your needs and requirements to determine if you are eligible to receive assistance.
  5. Application Processing: The application process typically takes 3-4 days to complete.

Next steps:

  1. Application Processing: Application processing: The application process typically takes 3-4 days to complete.
  2. Dollar Energy connects with PG&E: Once your application is processed, Dollar Energy will connect with PG&E on your behalf.
  3. Pledge amount application: The pledged amount is not applied all at once, but rather split into multiple installments.

(Please note that the exact number of installments and the specific amounts may vary depending on the details of your application and the agreement between Dollar Energy and PG&E.)

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us at 211reach@uwfm.org or 559-244-5710 extension 600. We are here to help!

FREE TAX PREP

To get the lastest information on our Free Tax Prepration Service, you can call our 211 Helpline, text TAXES to 211-211, or visit a our Free Tax Prep page here. You can also learn more about some of the great cash back credits you could qualify for here.

QUIT SMOKING

We’ve partnered with Kick It California to help Central Valley residents kick smoking. Kick It California has helped people quit for nearly 30 years through free, customized, one-on-one coaching that is grounded in science.

Call 211 to get connected with a Kick It California Quit Coach and start your journey to a healthier life.

FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

We want to keep the community well informed of services available when contacting our 211 Helpline. You can click here to submit an update request or send an email to 211@uwfm.org and let us know:

  • Your hours of operation
  • Services provided (i.e., confirmation of services, services currently suspended, changes to existing programs)
  • How to access your services

If your agency provides food/meal deliveries or services for vulnerable populations, please let us know. Also, if you need flyers or would like a presentation about our services, drop us an email. Thank you for your help!