One of the best resources available to our community is 2-1-1. This service provides information and referrals to various health and human services in the community. A simple toll-free, three-digit phone number that is easy to remember, can now connect thousands of individuals and families to needed community based programs, including where to find a community clinic, dental care, immunizations, prescription assistance, food, homeless shelters, elder and child care, legal services and other resources offered by local nonprofits and government agencies.
Did You Know About These 2-1-1 Services?
Housing/ Rental & Utility Assistance:
- Emergency Shelter: If you are experiencing homelessness or in need of immediate shelter, 2-1-1 can provide information about emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and other temporary housing options available in your area.
- Rental Assistance: If you are struggling to afford your rent or facing the risk of eviction, 2-1-1 can provide information about rental assistance programs and organizations that offer financial aid to help individuals and families maintain stable housing.
- Affordable Housing Resources: If you are searching for affordable housing options, 2-1-1 can provide information about affordable housing developments, subsidized housing programs, and housing vouchers such as Section 8. They can guide you to local housing authorities or nonprofit organizations that manage affordable housing properties or administer housing programs in your area.
- Homelessness Prevention: 2-1-1 can offer information and referrals to programs that provide homelessness prevention services. These programs may include rental assistance, financial counseling, employment support, and case management services designed to help individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless maintain their housing stability.
Food Assistance: CalFresh (sometimes called SNAP or food stamps) issues monthly food benefits on an EBT card that can be used to buy most foods at most grocery stores and farmers markets. People and families with low income can apply for CalFresh any time.
“Help Me Grow” Children’s Services: Help Me Grow connects children and their families to programs and services to enhance the development, behavior and learning of children birth to age nine.
Workforce Development: Provides training and work experience for individuals who are new to the workforce, have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, have inconsistent work experience, or who have developmental disabilities. Participants are placed with 211OC for three months at which time some are hired by the agency or move on to other employment opportunities.
Veteran’s Assistance: 2-1-1 provides veteran assistance services in California to support the unique needs of veterans and their families. When you contact 2-1-1 and identify yourself as a veteran or a family member of a veteran, the trained specialists can provide information and referrals to various veteran-specific resources and services.
- Veterans Benefits and Services
- Mental Health Support
- Housing and Homelessness Services
- Financial Assistance