Available in all 50 states!
Today I want to introduce you to the 211 information line. Many people are unaware of this great resource. In July 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reserved the 211 dialing code for community information and referral services. The FCC intended the 211 code as an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that would enable a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. Taken from the helpline center.
I would like to know of other resources in other countries that I could post on the resource page. Many viewers of this blog are from around the world. I will be adding this as well as others helpful links to the resource page.
In many states, dialing “211” provides individuals and families in need with a shortcut through what can be a bewildering maze of health and human service agency phone numbers.
By simply dialing 211, those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate agencies and community organizations.
Dialing 211 helps direct callers to services for, among others, the elderly, the disabled, those who do not speak English, those with a personal crisis, those with limited reading skills, and those who are new to their communities.
211 is available to approximately 309 million people, which is 94.6 percent of the total U.S. population. 211 covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area and to obtain more information, visit 211.org.
211 works a bit like 911. Calls to 211 are routed by the local telephone company to a local or regional calling center. The 211 center’s referral specialists receive requests from callers, access databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies, match the callers’ needs to available resources, and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help.
Also available in much of CANADA
About 211
211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day,
in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web. 211 helps connect people to the right information and services, making their pathway to care and resources a guided and trusted one.
211 is available by phone, chat, website, and text in different regions – dial 2-1-1 to connect to community services.
You can trust 211
211 aspires to connect people with the appropriate information and services, enhance Canada’s social infrastructure, and enable people to fully engage in their communities.
You do not have to give your name or personal details to ask for information.
United Way Centraide Canada and the 211 National Service Provider Network pride themselves in serving communities
across Canada and upholding the highest ethical standards in our interactions and accuracy in our listings.
What do 211 users have to say?
In provinces where customer satisfaction surveys were conducted:
- 97% (96.6%) would call again or recommend 211 to a friend or family member;
- 89% (88.5%) of callers received the referral they needed;
- 95% of callers were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall 211 service.
sort by Types of Referrals Offered by 211
- Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing banks, shelters, rent assistance, and utility assistance.
- Physical and Mental Health Resources – including health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, and drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
- Work Support – including financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs.
- Access to Services in Non-English Languages – including language translation and interpretation services to help non-English-speaking people find public resources (Foreign language services vary by location.)
- Support for Older Americans 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, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.
- Suicide Prevention – referral to suicide prevention help organizations. Callers can also dial the following National Suicide Prevention Hotline numbers which are operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
- 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- 1-888-SUICIDE (1-888-784-2433)
- 1-877-SUICIDA (1-877-784-2432) (Spanish)
Please send me resources that are similar from other countries. I would like to be able to read them in English to determine if they would be beneficial to readers and followers. Go to our FB page and send a message or send an email.
As always share this with those who may benefit!
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