Today is national 211 day, a day to heighten awareness that the simple phone number can give those in need access to more than 6,000 organizations that provide help.
The call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed with professionals who assist callers in finding the right information to address health, shelter, food, tax service, child care and more.
Things to know about 211:
• It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• More than 165,000 people called 211 last year.
• There is information about any health and human services need; 211 can provide referrals to agencies that meet basic needs and more.
• The same information can be accessed online by going to www.211helps.org.
• 211 is free.
• The number covers the entire state of Missouri, and parts of Illinois.
• Cell coverage is only available through Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T and Vonage.
• If 211 does not work from your phone, calling 1-800-427-4626 will lead to the same help line.
• All information is completely confidential.
• 211 is multi-lingual and has translation services available for callers.
• On average, 211 saves a person 14 calls to find the services they are in need of.
The service is provided by United Way.