Who We Are

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is the three digit number set aside by the federal Communications Commission (FCC) in July 2000 for the sole purpose of providing health and human service information and referral (I&R). Similar to 911 for emergency services and 411 for directory assistance, 2-1-1 is the three digit number to dial for health and human service information and referral.

People looking for help in Portland and its surrounding communities often do not know where to begin. Locating such basic resources as food, shelter, employment, or health care may mean calling dozens of phone numbers, then struggling through a maze of agencies and services to make the right connections. 211info is built on a quarter-century history of restoring dignity to people's lives by providing comprehensive information and referral service in this region. Until 211info opened its regional call center in 2004, finding help has historically been a service offered through separate providers in each county.

211info was originally formed in 1978 as Metro Crisis Intervention Services, operating a crisis and suicide hotline. In 1997 the organization shifted its focus to providing information and referral phone services under the name Guide Line, Inc. funded largely by the United Way of the Columbia Willamette. 211info was formed in 2003 as the result of United Way funding efforts, the advent of the three digit dialing code, and the partnership of basic I&R programs from local counties.

	Our Mission: To provide people throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington with comprehensive information and referral to human and community services, both in non-emergencies and in times of emergency.

What is information and referral?

Information and referral (I&R) is the process of bringing people and services together to give people the tools they need to help solve common, everyday problems that many of us experience from time to time. This is the purpose of 2-1-1.

2-1-1 lines are staffed by specially trained information and referral specialists, who are skilled at locating and providing information about good resources to contact for help with a wide variety of problems and needs. They will work with each caller to decide on the best course of action for a particular problem, and then help to determine the best places to call as the first step in working towards a solution.

Who answers 2-1-1 calls in the Portland metro area?

211info is a nonprofit organization operating from a downtown Portland call center. Using sophisticated call tracking software, 211info handles 2-1-1 calls from Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark Counties, and has expanded into the greater Southwest Washington area.

What kinds of questions can 211info answer?

You can call 211info for information about and referrals to human services for everyday needs and also in times of crisis. 211info can provide referrals to these types of services:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
• Medical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal and child healthcare, community health clinics, mental health crisis services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and recovery
• Employment Support: job training and placement programs
• Support for People with Special Needs: services for persons with disabilities, culturally-specific services, persons experiencing homelessness
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers and counseling, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services
  
  

Financial Information for 211info

211info's 2007-2008 Annual Report
IRS Statement of Activities
Statements of Financial Position
IRS Form 990