7 REASONS NORTH IOWA NEIGHBORS SHOULD USE 211
211 is the north Central Iowa region’s 24/7 helpline.
In a crisis, in a disaster, in a pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community find food, pay bills, and connect to other essential services. Our 211 is part of a national network, United to help as many people as possible. In fact, 211 is a critical part of United Way of North Central Iowa’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.
Here’s why you should use this vital service—and let others know about it, too.
1. 211 provides connections to many kinds of resources and services, including:
- Crisis and emergency counseling for mental health concerns, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
- Disaster assistance
- Food
- Financial assistance, literacy, and coaching
- Health care and insurance assistance
- Stable housing and utilities payment assistance
- Unemployment services
- Veteran services
- Childcare and family services
Our 211 specialists are amazing listeners! 211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, every call is answered by a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions – from the first hello to the final connection to help.
2. 211 is simple and convenient to use. The service is free, confidential, and accessible 24/7/365. It’s also available in more than 180 languages.
3. There’s more than one way to use 211. You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone and speak to a trained 211 specialist. Or you can browse online by clicking on https://www.211iowa.org/. If you cannot reach us through 211, call the toll-free alternative 800-244-7431. The 211 service is also available by text. Text your zip code to 898211. Hours vary by region. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can always text STOP to stop receiving messages from us.
4. 211 tackles problems at the roots. In fact, 211 specialists are trained to identify and address the underlying root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
5. 211 made 1,400 referrals for north Iowa region, many of them just like you
6. 211 is available to help anyone, no matter their situation, their income level, or their gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
7. 211 helps other nonprofits reach those who need help. The knowledgeable community resource specialists regularly update our service listings to ensure the database of agencies and networks that serve Iowa is accurate. Inclusion in the 211 database is free to qualifying agencies. Service providers may learn more here: https://www.211iowa.org/agencies/