Call 2-1-1 for information and referrals to health, human and social service organizations
Print
EmailReferral specialists at a local or regional 2-1-1 calling center will answer your call and access databases of resources for individuals and families in need of assistance.
Whether you are new to your community or a long-time resident, when you have need for a community service, finding the appropriate one can be a frustrating and confusing experience. Certainly, if you are in the midst of a crisis, having to make multiple phone calls and endure repeated delays can cause additional stress and anxiety for you and family members. Though 2-1-1 services and hours of operation vary by community, this one-stop service offers information and referrals for basic human needs (such as food banks, clothing, shelters, rent and utility assistance); physical and mental health resources (including crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, insurance program information); work support (information about job training, financial and transportation assistance, education programs); support for older persons and those with disabilities (options for adult day care, respite care, home health care, transportation and homemaker services, community meals); children, youth and family support (including child care, after school programs, educational programs for low-income families, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, and protective services) and emergency suicide prevention (providing national suicide prevention hotline numbers and referral to suicide prevention help organizations).
The current 2-1-1 system had its early roots in 1997 with the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Many other states soon created similar systems with the support of United Way Worldwide in collaboration with the Alliance of Information and Referral System (AIRS). On July 20, 2000 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 2-1-1 for nation-wide use.
According to AIRS, as of January 2013, 2-1-1 reaches over 283 million people in the U.S. This is 90.6 percent of the total U.S. population. Coverage now includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico with 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico offering the service to 100 percent of their residents. In 2012 alone, more than 15.8 million calls were answered by various 2-1-1 services across the country. 2-1-1 centers have a variety of funding sources including local United Ways, community foundations, state and local government support. Not only are all call centers required to become nationally certified, their staff also undergo extensive training and national certification. AIRS is the professional organization that coordinates this certification. Many states including Michigan have their own AIRS chapter or affiliate to offer input and support for this process at a more local level.
Michigan currently has eight 2-1-1 call centers providing coverage to more than 99 percent of Michigan residents. Visit Michigan Association of United Ways to learn more about Michigan’s 2-1-1 program. You may want to find out what call center covers the county in which you live or get more information about the services your particular call center offers. By clicking on your country of residence or your call center in the list on their interactive map, you will be re-directed to a page where you can enter your zip code to learn more.
For additional information about the 2-1-1 system in your community and the services it offers, you may also wish to visit the national 2-1-1 website or simply dial 2-1-1 and ask the call specialist who answers.
Each February, United Way Worldwide declares a National 2-1-1 Day to commemorate this very helpful information and referral system. Many local 2-1-1 organizations hold special events in their communities to promote and celebrate the service they provide to residents. For 2014, the date selected for National 2-1-1 Day is February 11th.
Michigan State University Extension is another great resource for information about services offered in your community. Not only do staff in county Extension offices coordinate 4-H programming for youth and provide nutritional education for low income families, they are well-acquainted with local human service organizations.
