Author: Emily Tierney CFP®

Americans know that at any time they can pick up the phone and dial 911 to immediately access an emergency dispatch office. What about dialing 211?  A client recently mentioned this to me and I think it is something everyone should know about.

When you dial 211 from almost anywhere in the United States or Puerto Rico, you are connected with a trained professional in your area who can connect you with resources and assistance for essential community services. It works just like dialing 911 where calls are routed by the local phone company to a calling center.  From there, Professional Information and Referral Specialists work with you to provide immediate access to local health and human services.  This service is completely free, confidential, and free of judgment.

There are many reasons to consider dialing 211, here are a few:

Do you need access to food stamps?

Are you in an emotionally and/or physically abusive relationship?

Do you need in-home care?

Do you need help with childcare and/or educational help for your child?

Are you struggling to find a job?

Are you being deployed or discharged and would like access to support groups?

Do you need help finding and/or understanding your health insurance?

Do you need to find an emergency shelter?

Do you need information about income assistance?

Have you previously been incarcerated and need assistance finding a job?

Are you struggling with bullying, substance abuse, sexual assault or having suicidal thoughts?

Have you been recently diagnosed with an illness and would like access to medical support programs?

Are you struggling to find a place to live because of disability, age, and/or mental illness?

Do you need access to career counseling and/or job training?

Dialing 211 will help you or someone you know get connected with trained professionals and/or organizations to get you the help you need.  You can also donate your time and/or money to community organizations involved with 211 by dialing 211.

 

Sources

1. 2-1-1. Call 2-1-1. http://www.211.org/.  Accessed 13 Oct. 2016.
2. “Dial 211 for Essential Community Services”. Federal Communications Commission. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dial-211-essential-community-services. Accessed 13 Oct. 2016
3. “What is 211?” Helpline Center. http://helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/what-is-211/.   Accessed 13 Oct. 2016

 

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