What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is the new national dialing code for free, confidential, bilingual, 24-hour access to information and referral, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. It is a one-stop source of information for people who don't know where to start when they need essential health and human services, from drug treatment to care for a child or aging parent.

2-1-1 will be deployed during disasters, providing an easily-memorized number for residents to call for help, up to date information, to volunteer, or to make a donation. 2-1-1's powerful database can be searched online, in print, or by dialing 2-1-1.

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Who calls 2-1-1?

• Adult children seeking services for elderly parents
• People who want to donate time, money, or goods to a nonprofit organization
• Laid-off workers struggling to feed their families
• Disaster victims seeking loved ones, housing, food, counseling
• Teachers, clergy, and agency staff seeking help for their clients
• Senior citizens wanting home care support in order to live independently
• Homeless persons seeking shelter or a hot meal
• Families facing eviction and needing housing options
• Recent immigrants needing language and employment training
• Pregnant women seeking information about prenatal care
• Families searching for child-care services in their community or close to work
• Concerned neighbors trying to help a friend in an abusive relationship
• Person experiencing or reporting child or elder abuse

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Who answers 2-1-1 calls?

Calls are answered by trained bilingual (Spanish/English) Call Center Specialists and valued community volunteers. All of our Specialists are specially trained in assessment and problem solving, providing information and referrals to community agencies & programs through our database, and providing short-term crisis intervention & suicide prevention. Our Specialists are para-professionals trained to de-escalate callers in crisis situations and to refer callers to appropriate long-term direct services. Our Specialists are trained in discussing special issues such as sexuality and gay/lesbian awareness, suicide, drugs and alcohol, child, spousal and elder abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, and grieving.

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What are the community benefits of 2-1-1?

2-1-1 helps the entire community:

• An easy to remember telephone number
• One-stop call center for a variety of services
• Single point of access for community, health, government, and social services
• Helpful for everyone, especially useful for vulnerable populations
• Reduces confusion, frustration, and unnecessary delay in reaching services, preventing last-minute crises
• Directs people to the right services quickly
• Coordinated state and local level disaster response services
• Provides critical information for community services planning
• Reduction in non-emergency calls to 911
• Access to services at local, state and federal level

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Do other states have 2-1-1?

As of November 2006, 2-1-1 serves approximately 193 million Americans - more than 65% of the U.S. population. 209 active 2-1-1 systems cover all or part of 41 states (including 17 states with 100% coverage) plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.

The first 2-1-1 system was started in Atlanta in 1997, followed by statewide service for Connecticut in 1999. After September 11, 2001, Connecticut's 2-1-1 system connected bereaved callers to services, fielded opportunities to donate or volunteer, and handled calls for the besieged Red Cross, demonstrating the central role 2-1-1 plays during a disaster.

The national planning initiative (www.211.org) is a joint project of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and the United Way of America.

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How are agencies added to the 2-1-1 listing?

We are always looking to expand our database. If you would like to have your program added to the database, please click here to learn how to apply. If you see a correction for an existing listing, please contact the 2-1-1 Database Manager at (805) 965-1001 Ext. 231, or 211sbcounty@fsacares.org.

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How can I work/volunteer for 2-1-1 Santa Barbara?

We are always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in employment or volunteer opportunities, please call the Family Service Agency and ask for more information. Employment opportunities not always available.

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How can I get 2-1-1 material sent to me or request a presentation?

Please contact the Family Service Agency for more information at (805) 965-1001.

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Why can't I dial 2-1-1 from my office phone?

If you have an internal phone system or PBX, it may need to be programmed to recognize 2-1-1 as a valid (complete) number. This is similar to the programming that was needed when 411 and 911 became active phone numbers. Your IT support person or the phone system vendor will need to do this. If your IT support person has already programmed your internal phone system to accept 2-1-1 calls, the problem may lie with your phone provider, who may have to reprogram their central switches.

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Why can't I dial 2-1-1 from my cell phone?

All major cell phone companies, with the exception of Verizon Wireless, currently support the 2-1-1 dialing code. 2-1-1 systems throughout California have been working with Verizon Wireless since July 2005 and hope to come to an agreement soon. We strongly urge customers of Verizon Wireless to contact customer support and request this service.

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Who pays for 2-1-1?

The bipartisan Calling for 2-1-1 Act, authored by Senators Clinton and Dole, would authorize a 50% federal match of $150 million for 2-1-1 development and service in communities nationwide. On the local level, 2-1-1 Santa Barbara is actively soliciting additional partners and support from foundations, grants, individuals and corporations. Please visit our sponsors page to see a list of 2-1-1 Santa Barbara's current sponsors.

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What is the 2-1-1 CRIS Directory? How do I order one?

The 2-1-1 CRIS Directory is our annually published directory of non-profit health and human service programs located in and serving Santa Barbara County. Published since 1976, the 2-1-1 CRIS Directory is now over 400 pages and includes an extensive keyword list as well as an alphabetical index.

The CRIS Directory is published every January. Please click here to place an order for the current edition.

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