like many non-profit organizations that depend be on the general rossi of donors, we are faced with financial challenges. the major disaster of 2008 such as the wildfires in california, flooding in the midwest and hurricanes gustav and ike -- >> you could try to wrap up, if you could, i'm sorry. >> -- and expenses. with that i'll conclude my presentation, and if you have questions, i'd be happy to answer them. >> thank you very much. >> thank you, chairman landrieu. it's an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to be able to speak today on behalf of the united way and the 211 system across america. as you're aware, 211 is an information referral line that connects people to existing community resources like rent and mortgage assistance as well as food and utility assistance. however, 211 plays a vital role in disaster response and recovery. trained specialists assist callers in times of natural disaster and crisis providing realtime information on shelter locations, food and water distribute sites -- distribution sites and all-important evacuation routes. 211 disseminates accurate in