If you remember only one phone number from this site, make it 211. It is a free, nationwide service that helps you find local community resources such as food pantries, rental and utility assistance, healthcare, childcare and more. Instead of searching on your own for the right agency, you describe your situation to a trained specialist who points you to programs near you.
How to reach 211
- Call: dial 2-1-1 from your phone.
- Online: search by ZIP code at 211.org.
- Text: in many areas you can text your ZIP code to 898211 to start a conversation.
Availability, hours and language support vary by area.
What 211 can help with
- Food: food pantries, meal programs, SNAP and WIC enrollment help.
- Housing and utilities: rental assistance, shelters, eviction prevention and help with energy bills.
- Healthcare: clinics, prescription help, mental health and substance use services.
- Family and children: childcare, after-school programs, parenting support.
- Older adults and people with disabilities: home care, transportation and caregiver support.
- Jobs and money: job training, free tax preparation and financial counseling.
- Crisis and disaster support: after storms, fires and other emergencies, 211 often shares shelter and recovery resources.
How a call works
- You tell the specialist what you need and your ZIP code. You do not have to share more than you are comfortable with.
- The specialist asks a few questions to understand your situation, such as household size and the kind of help you are looking for.
- You receive names, phone numbers and details for programs that fit, and sometimes a direct connection or a follow-up call.
Tips for a good call
- Have your address or ZIP code ready, and a pen to write things down.
- Describe your most urgent need first, for example “my electricity will be shut off Friday”. Then ask about other needs.
- Ask about eligibility rules and which documents to bring, so you do not make extra trips.
- If the first agency cannot help or has run out of funds, call back and ask for another option. It is common to try more than one.
- If the phone line is busy, try the website or chat option.
211, 311, 988 and 911: which number?
| Number | Use it for |
|---|---|
| 911 | Emergencies that threaten life or property. |
| 988 | Suicide, mental health or substance use crises. Call or text. |
| 211 | Finding local social services and community resources. |
| 311 | Non-emergency city services such as trash pickup, potholes and local government questions, where available. |
What 211 is not
211 is an information and referral service. It does not usually pay for services itself or make eligibility decisions, so the agency it refers you to makes the final decision. It is also free, so be cautious about anyone who charges a fee in its name. See our guide to avoiding assistance scams.
Keep going
Once you know what you need, our guides explain the details: free food, utility bills, housing help and free community services.