How to Get Social Service Help (Food, Clothing, etc.) through 211

Help is available

Everyone knows that 911 is for immediate emergencies. And, you probably know that 411 is for directory assistance. But were you aware of 211? 211 is an easy-to-remember phone # used to obtain assistance with social services. It is available in most, but not all, areas in the US. If you are in a crisis, or know someone who is, try calling 211.

Things You'll Need

• Landline Phone (Unfortunately, you cannot use a cell phone)
• Paper / Pen

Instructions

1. 

   Decide what social services you are needing help with. 211 offers referrals for just about all assistance - food, clothing, diapers, counseling, medicine, parenting assistance and more. It also offers referrals for financial help with rent, utilities, and gas, however, these programs are sometimes rare (depending where you live) and it might be difficult to obtain assistance. Some other services that 211 can refer you to are low-income housing, Christmas gifts for children, mental health support groups, drug/alcohol treatment, homeless shelters, employment, and summer camps.

2. 

   Find a landline phone. If you do not have one, try using one at a friend's, library, or even a local church. Unfortunately 211 does not work from cell phones at this time. However, if you visit www.211.org you can find alternate phone numbers that you can call that will route you to the 211 center.

3. 

   Dial 211.

4. 

   The 211 worker should answer immediately. He/she might (or might not) ask you a few questions concerning your zip code, income level (if any), etc. If you get voice mail, go ahead and leave a message, however try calling back if you don't get a response.

5. Tell the 211 specialist what you are needing help with. He/she will provide you referrals for assistance with your needs.

6. 

   Write down the agencies or organizations along with their phone #'s.

7. If there is no assistance for what you are needing help with, say rent or utility bills, ask for assistance with food. You can use the money you would pay for food to help pay your bills. Often there is also assistance with medicine and clothing as well.

8. Thank the 211 worker for their assistance.

9. Using your list of referrals, call or go by the agency to apply for assistance. Be sure to ask them before you go what you might need, such as a social security card, recent utility bill, identification, etc.

10. If none of the referrals work, you might try calling 211 again, they might or might not have additional resources. If that still doesn't work, one last option is to contact local churches. Many churches have benevolence programs that they do not advertise.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to ask and write down the times/days the agencies need help.

• As a general rule, if you are in financial crisis you can almost always get help with food through food banks, pantries, food stamps, WIC etc. However, you cannot always get help with utility bills, etc.

Resources

• www.211.org