211 is a free information and referral service using rich data and access to live, trained specialists, via phone or Web, to connect people to services in their community 24-hours a day, 7 days-a-week. Currently serving 1.4 million people of all income levels, languages and cultural backgrounds each year, and many more people over the Web, 211 programs in California are an important part of the social service infrastructure in our state. 2-1-1 services are available to 93% of Californians, and to 85% of US residents, and are sponsored by public and private funders, including county and city agencies, United Ways and private foundations.

California United Ways operate and/or provide major funding for 211 programs in 28 of 31 counties. To conduct an information or referral source in your community, please visit https://www.211ca.org.

In California and across the U.S., millions of families rely on 211 for help finding needed community services such as rent and mortgage assistance, food and shelter, healthcare, job training, transportation, childcare, and senior care. For example, 211 services have been important gateways for enrolling low and moderate-income families in health insurance programs, including Healthy Families and county-based Children's Health Initiatives.

211 also plays a critical role in providing information and support in times of disaster, such as evacuation, shelter, food, medical and recovery information, and providing public officials with feedback from callers about changing conditions. For example, in 2007 during the San Diego wild fires local 211's handled 130,000 calls in 5 days.

United Ways of California and our California United Way members are proud to support 211 California, the state network of 211 providers. 211 California is dedicated to helping Californians in need get access to, and benefit from, the rich range of social services available to them. 211 California is a partnership of United Ways of California and the California Alliance of Information and Referral Services.

Click here to view a map of 2-1-1 agencies operating in California.