2-1-1

In the U.S. and Canada, 2–1–1 is a relatively new "universal" telephone number, meant to provide quick and easy-to-remember access to public services. In most places where it is currently available, it is operated by a community-service organization, such as the United Way in the Atlanta area. These groups provide information on where to obtain social services, from government agencies and non-profit organizations, and where to volunteer or make a donation in the community of time, money, goods, or services.

Examples of information available through 211:

job counseling
suicide prevention
debt counseling
low-income housing
senior citizen programs
youth programs

While implementation is still spotty, it has been assigned by both the FCC and the CRTC for nationwide use.

In Canada the service is available in a few communities, including Toronto and Calgary.

At one time, the number was used to reach a coin return operator from Bell.

External links

N11 codes
2–1–1 | 3–1–1 | 4–1–1 | 5–1–1 | 6–1–1 | 7–1–1 | 8–1–1 | 9–1–1

Categories: Telephony