Dial 2-1-1: Connecting Families to Resources

By Project Concern

What is Dial 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is a national phone number that operates like 9-1-1, but for a different purpose. Dial 2-1-1 helps anyone find community resources through just one easy phone call.

What services does 2-1-1 offer?
2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. Through Project Concern in Dubuque, 2-1-1 offers access to the following types of services:

•Basic Human Needs Resources – Food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent or utility assistance, transportation
•Physical and Mental Health Resources – Health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation
•Employment Supports – Financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs
•Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities – Adult day care, meals programs, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
•Children, Youth, and Families – Childcare, after-school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services

Who staffs the 2-1-1 lines?
Project Concern’s Information and Referral has professionally trained specialists who utilize an extensive database listing services, agencies, and providers for all types of human services needs.

What hours are 2-1-1 lines available?
Dial 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is continuously staffed at all times.

Are calls to 2-1-1 confidential?
Calls to 2-1-1 are completely confidential. The information collected by 2-1-1 staff is used to make the best possible connections to services and is not shared with anyone at any time.

Do other areas offer 2-1-1?
The State of Iowa was one of the first rural states to offer 2-1-1 service throughout the state. It is available in all 99 counties. But you don’t need any special information to call. When you dial 2-1-1 in ANY location, the call will go to that county’s designated 2-1-1 call center. For information on 2-1-1 in other states, log on to www.211.org.