Background
2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects
people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The
implementation of 2-1-1 is being spearheaded by United Ways and comprehensive
and specialized information and referral agencies in states and local
communities. United Way of America (UWA) and the Alliance for Information and
Referral Systems (AIRS) strongly support federal funding so that every American
has access to this essential service.
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. Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of agencies and
help-lines, people often don't know where to turn. In many cases, people end up
going without these necessary services because they do not know where to start.
2-1-1 helps people find and give help.
While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:
- Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
- 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.
- Employment Supports: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
- Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
- Volunteer Opportunities and Donations.
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