2-1-1

01

Mission

Crisis, hunger, homelessness or the loss of a job can happen at any time to anyone. At United Way NCA, connecting people in need with local resources and assistance is a critical part of our mission.

To help people in need of social services, United Way NCA collaborates with 2-1-1 call centers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

02

About

2-1-1 is a free, confidential helpline number that provides callers in need of social services with health and human service resources in their local community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Today, 2-1-1 is to social services what 9-1-1 is to emergency services.

  • United Way NCA referred thousands of callers in search of social services to 2-1-1 call centers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
  • 2-1-1 is available in multiple languages 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Individuals call 2-1-1 in search of food, shelters, utilities, rental assistance, health care, counseling and much more in their local community.
03

How To Help

If you know somebody that is in crisis or in need of access to social service providers, refer them to 2-1-1.

Not all cell phones are programmed for 2-1-1. Cell phones that are not programmed for 2-1-1 will produce either a “fast busy” or a “not in service” recording. If you cannot reach 2-1-1 from your cell phone, dial the 10-digit number in your jurisdiction:

  • Dial 202-463-6211 in the District of Columbia.
  • Dial 301-864-7161 in the state of Maryland.
  • Dial 800-230-6977 in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

FAQS ABOUT 2-1-1

  • When was 2-1-1 established?

    In 2000 the Federal Communications Commission designated 2-1-1 the national community services and volunteer number.

  • Do we have 2-1-1 call centers in the Washington Region?

    Yes, there are 2-1-1 call centers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

  • Is there a charge to use 2-1-1?

    2-1-1 services are free. Your telephone provider’s long distance rates may apply if you are calling one of the local 10-digit numbers from out of the area. If you are calling from a cell phone, air time and other cell phone charges may apply.

  • Can I use any phone to call 2-1-1?

    You can dial 2-1-1 from most landlines, VoIP, and cellular carriers; however, some cell phone carriers and office buildings block access to all N11 number (2-1-1) numbers except 9-1-1. If you are having problems dialing 2-1-1, call the 10-digit number in your jurisdiction.

    • For 2-1-1 service in the District of Columbia, dial 202-463-6211
    • For 2-1-1 service in Southern Montgomery County & Prince Georges County, dial 301-864-7161
    • For 2-1-1 service in Virginia, dial 800-230-6977
  • Can 2-1-1 help a relative or friend who lives in another state?

    Yes, there are 2-1-1 call centers throughout the country. Go to www.211.org and follow directions for locating the closest 2-1-1 call center to your friend or relative.