2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that quickly and effectively connects people to essential community resources. When a person calls 2-1-1, trained specialists answer the call and determine what services, information or resources are needed to help the caller. 

2-1-1 information and referral services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 150 languages. Currently available in 26 California counties, 2-1-1 services reach approximately 90 percent of the state’s residents. In 2009, over 1.6 million Californians relied on 2-1-1 for help.

2-1-1 California
The goal of 2-1-1 California is to ensure that California develops the statewide infrastructure and support necessary to ensure quality 2-1-1 services for everyone.

2-1-1 Services
2-1-1 connects Californians to resources such as food and shelter, health and human service programs, jobless benefits and employment training and support, and disaster response information in their communities.

Through the 2-1-1 system, people of all income levels, and language and cultural backgrounds, receive assistance from certified information and referral Call Specialists who connect callers to resources tailored to their needs and circumstances, taking into account accessibility, eligibility requirements, and other factors.

2-1-1 Resources

Fact Sheets

2-1-1 California: Changing the Way Californians Find Help
Information about the services, benefits, coverage and cost-savings provided by California's 2-1-1 system.

2-1-1: A Valuable Resource for California’s State Agencies
Ways California's 2-1-1 system benefits state agencies' ability to deliver critical services to California residents.

Examples of 2-1-1 Services

• Food and Housing Resources: food banks, clothing, housing and rental and mortgage assistance.
• Health Services: access to health care for the uninsured or under-insured, prenatal care, medical information lines.
• Mental Health and Crisis Support: crisis intervention, counseling, substance abuse assessment and treatment.
• Income Support: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) assistance, job training, and education programs.
• Help for Seniors and People with Disabilities: adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, and transportation. 
• Resources for Children and Families: child care, after school programs, family resource centers, and tutoring. 
• Emergency and Disaster Response: including information, volunteer screening and charitable contributions options.

2-1-1 Protects Public Safety in Emergencies and Disasters

• Relieves 911 call volume, allowing faster response to emergency calls.
  When disasters strike, 2-1-1 plays a major role fielding non-emergency calls, which leaves 9-1-1 operators free to handle true emergencies.
• 2-1-1 in Southern California handled 130,000 calls in the 5 days after the Oct 2007 wild fires. click here for "Trial by Fire" report
• California 2-1-1 operators pitched in to help evacuees from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.
  read more about it
• 2-1-1 is in the Federal Bioterrorism Act, part of infrastructure needed for disaster preparedness.

2-1-1 Reduces Taxpayer Costs

• Directs non-emergency calls away from the more costly 911.
• Efficiently uses limited resources by streamlining the referral process, and reduces costs associated with statewide 800#s.
• Achieving statewide 2-1-1 coverage will require approximately $2 million investment in infrastructure, data integration and networking.
• Total annual operating costs estimated at $30 million.
• 2-1-1 will save the state millions annually when fully operational.

Costs and Cost Savings

• Achieving statewide 2-1-1 coverage will require approximately $2 million investment in infrastructure, data integration and networking.
• Total annual operating costs estimated at $30 million.
• 2-1-1 will save the state millions annually when fully operational.