United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey helps thousands of people each year through 211.
In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills, and connect to other essential services. 211 SEPA and 211 NJ are part of the 211 national network, united to help as many people as possible. Here’s why you should use this vital service—and let others know about it, too.
#1: 211 provides connections to many kinds of resources and services, including:
- Crisis and emergency counseling for mental health concerns, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
- Disaster assistance
- Food
- Financial assistance, literacy, and coaching
- Health care and insurance assistance
- Stable housing and utility payment assistance
- Unemployment services
- Veteran services
- Child care and family services
In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills, and connect to other essential services.
#2: Our 211 call specialists are amazing listeners. 211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, every call is answered by a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions - from the first hello to the final connection to help.
#3: 211 is simple and convenient to use. The service is free, confidential, and accessible 24/7/365. It’s also available in more than 180 languages.
#4:There’s more than one way to use 211. You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone and speak to a trained 211 specialist. Or you can browse local resources on 211.org. The service is also available by text, web chat, and email.
#5: 211 tackles problems at the roots. 211 specialists are trained to identify and address the underlying root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
We know it can be hard sometimes to ask for help, but you’ll be glad you called. Get answers, get help, dial 2-1-1 or visit UnitedForImpact.org/211.