There
is another service akin to 411 and 911 in the US. The Federal
Communications Commission reserved the 211 dialing code for
community information and referral services. It intended the
code as an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number
that would enable a critical connection between individuals and
families in need and the appropriate community-based
organizations and government agencies. Currently, active 211
systems cover all or part of 50 states.
Calling 211 provides
the following resources:
Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing,
shelters, housing, utility assistance.
Disaster Response and Recovery – works with the emergency
management team during a disaster to offer support and place for
dissemination of information.
Mental Health and Health Resources – including counseling,
support groups, drug and alcohol treatment, health insurance
programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources,
health insurance programs for children, medical information
lines, clinics, and hospitals.
Employment Support – including job training, employment
services, transportation assistance, and education programs.
Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities – including adult
day care, community meals, respite care, home health care,
transportation and homemaker services.
Children, Youth and Family Support – including child care,
after school programs, educational programs for low income
families, family resource centers, and recreation programs,
mentoring, tutoring and protective services.
Volunteer Opportunities and Donations – Individuals who wish
to donate time, goods or money to community organizations.