Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Get answers.
» Why does the Bay Area need 2-1-1?
» Why can't I reach 2-1-1 from my phone?
» What is the status of 2-1-1 service in California?
» How can I support 2-1-1?
» What kind of training has your staff received to handle difficult calls?
Why does the Bay Area need 2-1-1?
The Bay Area's vast spectrum of community services is complex. Without 2-1-1, many people make 7-8 phone calls to get the help they need. Without 2-1-1, vulnerable populations—such as non-English speakers, low-income individuals, and families in crisis—often give up long before they find help.
2-1-1 is a critical tool in times of disaster. Expanding 2-1-1 in the Bay Area now is crucial preparation for the next major earthquake or disaster. After Hurricane Katrina, calls to Texas' 2-1-1 system increased from 2,500 daily to more than 10,000 daily as hurricane victims sought shelter, food and other assistance. In the three weeks after Katrina, Texas 2-1-1 assisted more than 170,000 callers.
2-1-1 offers tremendous economic benefits for our region. These savings come in the form of reduced non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 and more efficient human services planning due to enhanced data collection—just two of 2-1-1's many benefits
Why can't I reach 2-1-1 from my phone?
In the Bay Area, 2-1-1 is not yet available in San Mateo and Sonoma Counties.
If you need help now and can't dial 2-1-1, please dial
800-273-6222 to reach the 2-1-1 call center.
» Tips to trouble-shoot the problem.
What is the status of 2-1-1 service in California?
The California Alliance of Information and Referral Services (CAIRS) contains the latest information about the status of 2-1-1 service in California. To find information about 2-1-1 coverage across the nation, visit 211us.org.
How can I support 2-1-1?
By making a donation to United Way's Bay Area Community Fund, you can support 2-1-1 in the Bay Area. Make a donation now.
Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) have introduced bi-partisan legislation named The Calling for 2-1-1 Act that would provide Federal funding for 2-1-1 and encourage support of it nationwide. Call your members of Congress and encourage them to support the Act. Click here to view a fact sheet about the legislation.
What kind of training has your staff received to handle difficult calls?
2-1-1 staff receive a comprehensive Information & Referral training, targeted workshops about service systems and a monthly In-Service program that provides skills and standards refresher training, updated and new services information, and guest speakers from key agencies to provide in-depth information about their programs.
Submit your question to 2-1-1: contact@uwba.org
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2-1-1 can provide an up-to-date, broad geographic inventory of shelter beds available to the homeless.