What if you need help like food, shelter, financial aid? What if you want to know how to provide help in an emergency or disaster? Or want to donate your time or financial support to a worthy community organization? Or donate furniture or become involved in civic concerns? Calling 2-1-1 is the easy way. Information and Help on Call 24/7. Coming soon to Arizona.

Currently, statewide community services information is available at www.AZ211.gov.

Background

• Federal Communications Commission assigned the phone number 2-1-1- for the sole purpose of community information and referral on July 21, 2000
• 2-1-1 an easily remembered telephone number providing non-police / fire emergency help, disaster help, community health and human services, and volunteer opportunities
• 23% of the United States currently covered by 2-1-1

Benefits

• Easily remembered number gives access to resources throughout community.
• Reinforces integrity of 9-1-1 system, saving this vital community resource for life and death emergencies
• Efficient, fast and easy to use
• No more wrong number; no more wasted time trying to find the right resources
• Confidential call; callers not required to provide name only census data requested
• 24-hour/7-day-a-week availability
• Easy way to give or get help in the community

Community Benefits

• Strengthens community by uniting the people who want to help with those who need help
• People who want to help often do not know where to begin
• In Pima County alone there are over 500 non-profit organizations plus scores of government agencies and faith-based groups; people looking for assistance have trouble navigating a complicated web of community, health and human service programs
• Provides policy-making data
• Based on aggregate data about the types of calls that the 2-1-1- call center receives, communities are in a better position to anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to meet changing needs.

Crisis Benefits

• Critical information system necessary prior to, during and after a community crisis, such as epidemic, flood, fire, or other local or national tragedy
• Responds immediately during crisis, fielding calls regarding the crisis and directing callers to services appropriate for their needs
• Relieves emergency responders of non-critical activity
  

How will 2-1-1 work? Pick up any phone (pay or private), dial 2-1-1 and have your call answered by a certified information specialist who can analyze your needs and refer you to organizations in your community to address them. This service is available 24-hours 7 days a week and can be used by those with hearing impairments and can offer help in many languages.