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 for those in need or those wishing to help to the following types of service organizations:

• Basic Human Needs: 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, independent living programs.

• Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

• No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).

• 2-1-1 is a confidential call; most often the name of the caller is not even taken.

• 2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system, saving that vital community resource for life-and-death emergencies.

• 24-hour/7-day-a-week availability; 2-1-1 is always there for you.

• 2-1-1 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.

Community Benefits:

• 2-1-1 strengthens your community by uniting the people in your area who want to help with those who need help.

• There are more than 1 million nonprofit organizations in the United States plus scores of government agencies. People looking for assistance have trouble navigating a complicated web of health and human service programs.  Likewise, people who want to help often do not know where to begin.

• 2-1-1 is a useful planning tool. Based on aggregate data about the types of calls that the 2-1-1 center receives, communities are in a better position to anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to meet changing needs.

• 2-1-1 touches the lives of every person in the community, and whether you are in a situation where you need help or find yourself later in a situation to give help, 2-1-1 is always there for you.

Benefits as Crisis Tool:

• 2-1-1 is a critical information system during and after a community crisis such as an attack, flood, fire, or other local or national tragedy.  Prior to a community crisis, it is critical that an information system is in place that will respond to the crisis at a moment’s notice.

• 2-1-1 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.

• Once 2-1-1 is implemented, it maintains a permanent presence in the community.  As a result, people can find the help they need whether their needs arise a week or several years after the crisis event.