2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number that connects individuals with resources in their community. With approximately 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States, plus scores of government agencies, finding help can be confusing and intimidating. People who want to give help often do not know where to begin. 2-1-1 centers are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. It’s simple to remember, accessible to everyone at no cost, available 24/7, with multilingual capabilities.

Extending 2-1-1 service to all Kern County residents, to all Californians, and ultimately to all Americans is a priority of United Way organizations across the country. Here in Kern County, the local United Way Governing Board has made establishment of 2-1-1 service one of its highest priorities.

UWKC is a partner in an ongoing collaborative group known as RANK – Referral and Assistance Network of Kern. This collaborative group of public, private and nonprofit sector organizations is actively working to implement 2-1-1 in Kern County by supporting Community Action Partnership of Kern’s HelpLine program in becoming a 2-1-1 provider. An application is being submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and various funding opportunities are being explored.

2-1-1 enables people to get help or give help. 2-1-1 offers information on a broad range of services, including rent assistance, food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs. Specialists at 2-1-1 centers facilitate thousands of volunteer hours and direct material donors to locations where their gifts may be most needed and appropriate. One call center’s referrals facilitated nearly 65,000 volunteer staff hours worth over $1 million.

Trial By Fire: (PDF)
How 2-1-1’s Regional Response to the
2007 Southern California Wildfires
Underscored the Need for a Statewide Network

Local 211 website

The National 211 website