Everyone knows about 9-1-1. But few people know about 211, the nationwide service for non-emergency life challenges. The kind everyone faces at some point in their lives, when you have no idea where to turn but sure could use some extra help.
Funded in part by local United Ways, 211 is a vital service that connects millions of people each year to help in their communities.
Here are 9 things you might not know about 211:
We can help with complex challenges, whatever they may be. 211 connects people to resources like:
Employment and job training
Health and mental health assistance
Child care and after-school programs
Financial coaching
Addiction treatment
Transportation
Affordable housing and rent assistance
Legal services
Disaster recovery
Utility assistance
Disability resources
Veteran services
Tax Preparation
2. 211 is for anyone. Everyone faces challenges. Job loss, illness, natural disasters and other events can upend anyone’s life. In those moments, 211 is a good resource to have in your back pocket. Best of all, the service is available to everyone, regardless of income level. Spread the word to your friends, family and co-workers so they are prepared when things take a turn for the worse.
3. 211 is available 24/7/365. That’s every day, every hour, every minute of the year. And if you don’t feel like calling, you can text or use the website. Check 211Virginia.org to find your local texting number and website.
4. 94.6% of the U.S. population has access to 211. Most of Canada also has access to the service.
5. 211 helps tens of millions each year. In 2018, the service fielded over 11 million calls and almost 1 million texts, chats and emails. That’s in addition to 13 million website searches!
6. You’ll talk to a real person. A trained, expert specialist answers the call, helps identify the root causes of your problem, and connects you to a local person.
7. Translation is available in 180 languages, making the service available to millions more people than would otherwise have access to it.
8. You can call to find volunteer opportunities in your area. The holidays are an especially good time to check, as 211 often has a long list of local organizations and families that need help.
9. 211 changes lives. Lives like Paula Laurer’s. Racked by severe daily headaches due to poor eyesight, Paula didn’t have vision insurance to address the problem. When she called her local Michigan 211, a specialist there connected her to a nonprofit who paid for her eye exam and glasses. Now, Paula is pain-free and seeing clearly. “I can’t say enough about how nice they are down a 211,” says Paula. “They are so kind.”
