211-Information & Referral

211-Search

What is 211?

  • 211 is an easy to remember telephone number AND NOW A WEBSITE that connects callers/users to information about critical health and human services available in their community.
  • 211 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to information and referral.
  • As the number of organizations providing specialized services is on the rise, people find it frustrating and confusing to access community services. 211 provides a one-stop NO COST service for vital information.
  • While services that are offered through 211 vary from community to community, 211 provides callers/users with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. For example, 211 can offer access to the following types of services:
    • Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
    • Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
    • Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, educational programs.
    • Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.
    • Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, family support & parent education programs, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
    • Volunteer opportunities and donations.
Benefits of 211
  • One call or web search gives you access to resources across your community. 211 is efficient, fast and easy to use. 24-hour/7 days a week availability; 211 is always there for you.
  • No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).
  • 211 is a confidential call; most often the name of the caller is not even taken. 

People looking for assistance have trouble navigating a complicated web of health and human service programs. Likewise, people who want to help often do not know where to begin.