2-1-1

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What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a free community service that provides callers with information about referrals to social services for every day needs and in time of crisis. You can reach them by dialing 2-1-1 on any phone, or visiting their website here.

 

Benefits of 2-1-1

  • Telephone assistance provided by trained call specialists. 
  • Access for persons who have special needs.
  • Accurate information about community resources.
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Types of Referrals Offered by 2-1-1

  • Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing, shelters, housing, utility assistance.

  • Disaster Response and Recovery – works with the emergency management team during a disaster to offer support and place for dissemination of information.

  • Mental Health and Health Resources – including counseling, support groups, drug and alcohol treatment, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, clinics, and hospitals.

  • Employment Support – including job training, employment services, transportation assistance and education programs.

  • Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities – including adult day care, community meals, respite care, home health care, transportation and homemaker services.

  • Children, Youth and Family Support – including child care, after school programs, educational programs for low income families, family resource centers, and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.

 

A Few Things To Remember

  • 2-1-1 is an information and referral service only.
     
  • 2-1-1 can only provide a list of organizations that have programs that may meet the needs of a person in crisis.
     
  • 2-1-1 cannot guarantee that an individual will receive benefits or be served by an organization in the community.
     
  • 2-1-1 can provide a referral but the caller will have to follow up with individual organizations.
     
  • Organizations often have eligibility criteria that callers will have to meet to receive services.
     
  • Organizations may required callers provide documents in order to be served.  
     
  • Sadly, organizations often have limited resources so there is a possibility that a caller may qualify for a service but not receive assistance because the resources have been exhausted.