7 Things to Know About 211
Everyone knows about 9-1-1. But few people know about 211, the nationwide service for non-emergency life challenges. Right now as more people need help during this global crisis, they might not know where to turn. The answer is 211.
Funded in part by United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, 211WNY is a vital service that connects people to help.
Here are seven things you might not know about 211WNY:
1. 211WNY can help with complex challenges, whatever they may be. 211WNY connects people to resources like:
- Tax preparation
- Veteran services
- Disability resources
- Utility assistance
- Disaster recovery
- Employment and job training
- Legal services
- Affordable housing and rent assistance
- Transportation
- Addiction treatment
- Financial coaching
- Child care and after-school programs
- Health and mental health assistance
2. 211WNY is for anyone. More than ever, unexpected challenges are part of all of our lives. When problems arise, 211WNY is a good resource to have in your back pocket. Best of all, the service is available to everyone, regardless of income level.
3. 211WNY is available 24/7/365. That’s every day, every hour, every minute of the year. And if you don’t feel like calling, you can text or use the website. Text your zip code to 898-211 or simply dial 211 to get connected.
4. 94.6% of the U.S. population has access to 211. Most of Canada also has access to the service.
5. 211WNY helps tens of millions each year. 211WNY is a year-round service. Over the past year, the service has already fielded over 45,000 calls
6. You will talk to a real person. A trained, expert specialist answers questions, helps identify the root causes of your problem, and connects you to local resources.
7. Translation is available in 180 languages, making the service available to millions more people than would otherwise have access to it.