How does 211 benefit me?
There may come a time that you or someone you know needs help, but don’t know exactly what kind of assistance is available – let alone how to access it. When you reach out to 211, we will assess your situation and then utilize an extensive, up-to-date database to find the best resource(s) to meet your needs. We are a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance, acting as a single point of contact to thousands of social service programs.
211 in Iowa follows standards recommended by Inform USA. The Inform USA Standards and Quality Indicators for Professional Information and Referral are reviewed and published regularly and are free to view online.
Who is 211 for?
- Families seeking services for their children
- Seniors seeking legal assistance, benefits help, volunteer opportunities
- Businesses helping an employee find resources to help their family
- Laid-off workers struggling to feed their families
- Disaster victims seeking information
- Teachers, clergy, and agency staff seeking help for their clients
- Families who are struggling to pay their rent or utilities due to an unexpected bill
- Anyone seeking services in their community
How does calling Iowa 211 differ from calling 411?
A variety of factors distinguish 211 from 411. For example, the 211 Helpline and database is maintained by a nonprofit organization, rather than a telecommunications company, and the service is offered to callers at absolutely no charge. Moreover, Iowa 211 minimizes the use of automation, and provides much more than mere directory assistance. We employ trained Information and Referral Specialists who ask questions, make assessments and offer assistance navigating potential service providers. The Community Resource Specialists are both caring and empathetic; they are people to call when you don’t know where to turn for help.
Can you assist Non-English Speaking individuals?
Non-English speaking callers are assisted by bilingual staff or a telephone interpreting service with access to 240 languages.
Do you have many programs in your database that can help me?
A comprehensive and up-to-date database is maintained with over 13,000 programs and services listed. Each caller’s circumstance varies and trained Information and Referral Specialists work with each individual to try to locate resources that may be able to assist them.
What areas does 211 serve?
Do other states and counties have 211?
211 Iowa is part of a national network of 211 agencies. There are more than 200 211 agencies across the United States, each with a team of compassionate, highly trained community specialists who are available to help you access the best local resources and services to address any need.
The 211 network in the United States responds to more than 21 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats, and text messages are from people looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care.
211 is currently available to over 96% of the United States population, check www.211.org for more information or to find 211 serving another area.
How does an agency/nonprofit organization become included in your database?
My agency is already listed in the 211 database so how do I update our information?
What is 211’s role in disaster response and recovery?
In addition to our primary role of connecting residents to the help they need, Iowa 211 is involved in local disaster planning, response and recovery. Whether it is a flood, windstorm, extended heatwave, ice storm or other types of disasters, 211 provides support to community and emergency service providers in the event of a disaster.
What is the best way to contact 211?
Any of the options below will provide you with access to help.
Call: 211
Chat: Open chat window.
Email: Fill out our email form.
Text: Send your zip code to 898211
Website: Search our online directory.