If you only remember one number from this website, make it 211. It’s a free, confidential service available in most of the United States that connects people with local help. When you don’t know where to start, 211 is usually the fastest way to find the right program.
What 211 can help with
- Rent and housing assistance, including shelters
- Food pantries, community meals, and SNAP
- Utility bill help
- Health care, mental health services, and clinics
- Child care and parenting support
- Job training and employment services
- Transportation to appointments
- Disaster recovery help
How to contact 211
- Call 2-1-1 from most phones.
- Text your ZIP code to 898-211 in many areas.
- Search online at 211.org, where you can find your local 211 website.
Many 211 centers have specialists who speak Spanish and other languages, and they can use interpreters for many more.
Tips for a better call
- Have your ZIP code ready.
- Explain your situation briefly, for example: “I’m behind on my electric bill and have a shutoff notice.”
- Ask for more than one option, in case the first one doesn’t work out.
- Write down names, phone numbers, and hours of the programs they give you.
- Call back if you need more help. That’s what 211 is there for.
What 211 is not
211 is not an emergency line. If someone is in danger or needs urgent medical help, call 911. If you or someone you know is in emotional crisis, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
When 211 is especially helpful
- When you’re not sure which program to call
- When you’ve already tried a few places and need new options
- During disasters, when 211 often shares shelter and recovery information
- When you’re helping a neighbor or family member find help
- When you need help in Spanish or another language
What to do after your call
Programs that 211 refers you to have their own rules, hours, and funding. Call them as soon as possible, since some help is first come, first served. If a program can’t help, call 211 back and explain what happened. Specialists can often suggest other options or programs that just opened.
A real-life example
Grace called 211 after her electricity was about to be shut off. She expected to be put on hold for hours, but within a few minutes a specialist gave her the numbers for a utility assistance program and a local charity, plus the hours for a nearby food pantry.
She called both programs that afternoon. One helped with the electric bill, and the other gave her a referral for free tax preparation that later helped her claim a refund she didn’t know she qualified for.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Be specific about what you need and how urgent it is.
- Ask the specialist if they can text you the information.
- Call back if a referral doesn’t work out. They may have other options.
- Save 211 in your contacts so you can share it with friends and family.
Frequently asked questions
Is 211 really free?
Yes. The service is free and confidential.
Do I have to give my name?
Usually not. You can ask questions without giving personal details.
Is 211 run by the government?
211 is typically run by nonprofit organizations, often in partnership with United Way and local governments.
Related guides
- Emergency Rental Assistance: Where to Find Help When You Are Behind on Rent
- Emergency Shelter and Homeless Help: What to Do Right Now
- How to Find a Food Bank or Food Pantry Near You
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.