Dial 211 for Community Help

You’ve heard about 9-1-1 and 4-1-1, now there’s 2-1-1, a number dedicated to connecting people with helpful community services and volunteer opportunities.

From 211.org:

  1. Every hour of every day, someone in the United States needs essential services - from finding an after-school program to securing adequate care for a child or an aging parent.
  2. Because there are so many choices (more agencies and help-lines), people don't know where to turn.
  3. In many cases, people go without services because they don't know where to start.
  4. Services offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community.
  5. 2-1-1 provides information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis.

2-1-1 can offer access to

  1. Basic Human Needs Resources
    Food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
  2. Physical and Mental Health Resources
    Health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children's Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
  3. Employment Supports
    Financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
  4. Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities
    Adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
  5. Support for Children, Youth and Families
    Childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
  6. Volunteer Opportunities and Donations
NOTE: 211 isn’t available everywhere. To find out about the services available in your area, click here for information about your local 211 call center and a complete listing of services available in your community.

Last Updated: 5/2009