2-1-1/Information and Referral (I&R)

HelpLine maintains an accurate, up-to-date resource file and online database (CLICK HERE TO ACCESS) that contains information on community resources available within over 4,000 programs and more than 650 agencies.

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a simple, easy-to-remember number to call when you need help or access to human services. It is a free 24-hour service so you get the help you need when you need it. When you dial 2-1-1, your call will be answered by the local information & referral agency, in Delaware and Morrow Counties, that is HelpLine, which will then direct your call to the appropriate agency when you need information on:

What are the benefits of 2-1-1?
One number to call to get information about community services.

How did 2-1-1 get started?
In 1997, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta successfully established a local 2-1-1 project. Since then, they have helped over 250,000 callers needing information about resources in their community.

United Way of America and the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) filed a petition with the FCC to designate 2-1-1 as the universal access number for community services information. In July, 2000, the FCC approved the designation.

In the summer of 1999 in Ohio, the 2-1-1 Ohio Collaborative, an association of non-profit agencies and organizations, committed to bringing 2-1-1 to Ohio, was formed. In December 1999, it filed a petition with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) asking that 2-1-1 be designated as the number to call for community access in Ohio.

On July, 2001, the PUCO approved that petition. In November of 2002, the first 2-1-1 call center went live, HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties. In February of 2003, the second center launched 2-1-1, United Way HelpLine in Cincinnati.

Nationally, there are over 50 2-1-1 call centers operational at this time. For more information about the national 2-1-1 initiative go to www.211.org. For more information about 2-1-1 in Ohio, go to www.211ohio.net.