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EAP Policy Manual FFY24 Chapter 1 Service Provider Selection and Responsibilities Page 9 Community Coordination In July 2000, the FCC assigned telephone number 2-1-1 for human services information and referral nationwide. 2-1-1 service is available in Minnesota statewide. In Minnesota, 2-1-1 is answered by First Call for Help Minnesota. This service provides Service Providers an efficient and convenient way to refer households to services. Service Providers must be included on the First Call Minnesota web site as an energy assistance provider for each county in their service area and ensure information regarding local services is correct (see Statewide Information and Referral Services). The written plan addressing coordination, cooperation and referrals to other community organizations and businesses is included in the Local Plan. This plan should include: • A list of community organizations to receive application materials. • A list of community groups that will receive updated information on policy changes and the availability of EAP, EAP Crisis, ERR and any additional emergency or contingency funds that may become available during the program year. This includes the availability of ERR funds during the summer months. • Methods of coordinating with emergency services and other service organizations to implement a crisis procedure. • Methods of offering applicants the opportunity to register to vote. Examples of Interagency Cooperation • Meeting with agencies before the program begins to plan service integration and implementation. • Formalizing cooperative agreements in writing. • Providing partner agencies with current program information including income guidelines and applications. • Providing partner agencies with regular funding updates. • Developing methods for referral. • Identifying a staff person to act as a liaison between your Service Provider and other providers. • Developing a list of agencies. Include a telephone number and name of contact person. Include at a minimum the following providers: • Basic Subsistence – Food, housing, transportation, medical, telephone. • Income Maintenance – DWP, General Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Employment Services, SSI, MSA, SS, and VA. • Establishing follow-up procedures to be used to evaluate successful partnerships. • Ensuring partner agencies are able to respond effectively to needs.