211info FAQs (English/Español)

How does the Oregon 211 Network incorporate the needs of each local community?

211 staff live and work right here in Oregon, so they understand the needs of Oregonians. Our shared software systems make it easy to share resource information and data across counties while preserving local control over the resources and partnerships. This ensures we have the most accurate, up-to-date information.

How is the Oregon 211 Network and 211info funded?

211info is an independent nonprofit that is funded by foundations, local governments and large agencies like United Way. The Oregon 211 Network is comprised of local partnerships raising funds locally, while saving money by utilizing existing 211 infrastructure.

What benefits will regions derive from being a part of the Oregon 211 Network?

211 is an efficient way to serve a broad cross-section of the community while reducing the administrative cost of providing referral services—especially for small, rural communities. 211 also makes it easier to track met and unmet needs across counties. This data gives service providers and legislators the information they need to direct services to those areas that need them most.

What is 211info’s relationship to local United Ways?

211info is an independent nonprofit that is funded by a variety of funders, including United Ways.

Are there other groups out there doing the same thing?

2-1-1 is the first easy-to-remember, three-digit number focused on providing referrals to address multiple community needs. 211info call specialists currently answer calls for Oregon SafeNet, a health and social service helpline for Oregon families. As 2-1-1 expands to a statewide service, SafeNet would be seamlessly integrated into the new system.

When can people call 211?

211info answers calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our experience shows that these are the hours when the majority of people call to get help.

What is 211’s nationwide status?

Twenty-eight U.S. states have statewide 211 coverage. Overall, coverage extends to more than 80% of the nation’s population. United Way Worldwide (UWW) and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) strongly support federal funding so that every American has access to this essential service. You can learn more at http://www.211us.org

What's the best way to stay in contact with 211info and the Network

For comprehensive updates about social services and community information subscribe to 211info's email updates. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. Click any one of the icons towards the top of this page to get connected.

When I dial 211, I am not connected to your call center. What do I do?

There are two reasons why this might occur:

1) 211 service isn't available in your region because you do not live in any of our current service counties.

If this is the case you can dial 866-698-6155 for access to limited resources.

2) There is a technical problem with the telephone service provider you are using. If that is the case, please contact us so we can resolve your issue. For access to health and community resources you can also dial 866-698-6155 in Oregon or 1-877-211-WASH in Washington.


 

 

 

¿Qué es el 211?

El 211 es un número de teléfono fácil de recordar asignado por la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones para hacer más eficiente el acceso a servicios humanos y de salud.

Una vez que alguien llama al 211, un profesional especialista en información y referencias le ayudara dándole los números de teléfono de las agencias correctas, basado en los servicios que usted necesite.