What Is 211, And How Can It Help You?

When you have an emergency, what number do you call? The answer is probably 911. Could you dial that number to get help with your bills or find food if your fridge is empty? Probably not, but you could get such assistance and more by dialing 211 on your phone.

What is 211?

211 is a phone number that connects you to a local operator who can give you all the information you need about resources and services in your area. It has been around since 2000 when the Federal Communications Commission set up the number as a way for people to get referrals to social services and similar forms of assistance.

There are 200-plus 211 agencies across the country that feature a team of trained community specialists waiting to take your call. And if you don’t prefer to call, you can also reach the organization via its website, web chat, or text. The United Way, Goodwill, local crisis centers, and Community Action Partnerships are some examples of organizations that run the 211 service from coast to coast.

Who Can 211 Help?

While 211 specializes in several areas of assistance, it essentially offers help of any type to anyone who needs it. 211 responds to over 20 million requests for assistance each year, and here is a breakdown of how it helped those in need during 2020:

• Made a total of 27.8 million connections via phone, text, web chat, and email.
• Was designated as the official line for COVID-19 assistance in 32 states.
• Helped 6.1 million people combat housing insecurity and homelessness via referrals to homeless shelters and housing assistance programs.
• Helped 3.7 million people find food to combat hunger.
• Offered 3.4 million healthcare referrals to those needing help with paying for prescriptions, plus mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
• Made over 600,000 connections related to disasters, offering emergency assistance with food, shelters, and more.

Ways 211 Can Help You

As mentioned, you can call 211 with virtually any need you have. The local operator will take it from there and refer you to a nearby resource who can best fulfill your needs.

Here are some ways in which 211 typically helps others and can do the same for you:

• Get help paying your bills – The number one need of 211 callers is assistance with paying housing and utilities bills. If you’re behind on the rent or your mortgage and facing eviction or fear that your water or electricity will get shut off, call 211 now.
• Housing assistance – Whether you’re having issues with your rent or mortgage, are homeless, or need to find affordable housing, 211 can help.
• Find food – A call to 211 can help you find local food pantries, meal delivery options, and hot meal programs.
• Get help with medical bills – If you or a family member experienced an unforeseen illness or injury and your medical bills are piling up, contact 211 to see what your options are.
• Healthcare assistance – Besides medical bills, 211 can help determine your best route for prescription or transportation assistance so you can get the meds you need and get to your appointments on time.
• Student loan assistance – Are you wondering how to pay back your student loans on a limited income? If you’re too overwhelmed to research options, ask for help from a 211 expert.