Launched in April 2008, 311 Language Access is a multilingual public outreach campaign targeting immigrants and limited-English-proficient New Yorkers. Marketing and outreach in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian and Spanish raises awareness that 311 provides access to social services as well as municipal services; that calls are answered in over 170 languages; and that all calls are private—which means that 311 won’t share personal or immigration information with anyone. Outreach is being done across the city in subways, bus shelters, City agency offices and community-based organizations, check cashing stores, community newspapers and on street posts. Taxis and official City vehicles have also received new bumper stickers reflecting the campaign.

311 was established in 2003 as a gateway to government information and services, and the call center was expanded in 2008 to include social services provided by both government and community-based organizations. Hundreds of social services are accessible through 311, including child care, summer youth programs, senior centers, jail release services, health care, job training, and domestic violence counseling.

For more info: www.NYC.gov/311 or contact 311 Health and Human Service Information & Referral (311HHSIR@cityhall.nyc.gov)