What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is your Coastal Alabama Connection to find help, to volunteer or to make a meaningful donation.
2-1-1 is the NATIONAL abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral (I&R).
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need of information or services and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies who can offer help.

Why 2-1-1?

Sometimes people don’t know where to go for help...sometimes they don't even know that help is available...

They don’t know about emergency food and shelter assistance
They don't know that child care is accessible for low- and middle-income families
They don't know about after-school programs that offer a safe place for their children

Have you ever heard about a service, but can't remember where it is when you need it?

2-1-1 is a community solution
The three-digit number is easy-to-remember and provides a direct link to
non-emergency help for the citizens of Coastal Alabama

Allow streamlined access to existing services, using an efficient and accurate database
Eliminate confusing and frustrating searches for help
Allow quick and efficient referral to existing services
Provide the opportunity for vulnerable people (those who are elderly, disabled, non-English speaking, incapacitated by crisis, illiterate, new to their communities, etc.) to help themselves
Expand civic involvement by providing the ability to match volunteers and donors with community organizations that need their help
Create a social barometer for assessing where need is greatest

There are other abreviated dialing codes in use in the US and Canada. Here is some Wikipedia information about each of them: