So, what is 2-1-1?
This 3-digit phone number, 2-1-1, provides 24 hours/day, 7 days/week access to call counselors ready to provide you with information and referrals to human service agencies and programs serving the area. Specialists assist you in finding the help and answers you need, as quickly as possible.
Note: 2-1-1 is not for emergencies. If you are in an emergency situation, click here.
How 2-1-1 Works
2-1-1 works a bit like 911. Calls to 2-1-1 are routed by the local telephone company to a local or regional calling center. The 2-1-1 center's I&R specialists gather information on the caller's needs, access databases of resources available from private, not-for-profit, and public health and human service agencies, match the callers' needs to available resources, and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help.
types of referrals
Basic Human Needs Resources
Including food and clothing banks, shelters, and rent and utility assistance.
Child, Youth, and Family Support
Including child care, after school programs, educational programs for low-income families, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, and protective services.
Physical and Mental Health Resources
Including health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health resources, health insurance programs for children, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, and drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
Support for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
Including adult day care, community meals, respite care, home health care, transportation, and homemaker services.
Volunteer Opportunities and Donations
Using 2-1-1/Information and Referral's volunteer and donations coordination web site, VolunteerTompkins, volunteers may find a position and agencies may post volunteer opportunities. 2-1-1/ I&R refers many callers wishing to help to agencies that receive donations, whether those be funds or food, furniture and clothing.
Work Support
Including financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, and education programs.