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NEED HELP? WE'RE HERE.

There may be a time that you or someone you know needs help, but don’t know exactly what kind of assistance is available – let alone how to access it. 211 can assist by helping clarify your personal situation and then utilize an extensive up-to-date database to determine the best resource(s) for you. 211 is where you go when you don’t know where to turn for help, acting as a single point of contact to thousands of social service programs.

WHAT IS 211?

211 is a free, comprehensive, confidential information and referral system linking Iowans to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services. Nationally 211 is to social services what 911 is to emergency services.

Utilizing a comprehensive computerized database of more than 13,000 nonprofit and public programs and services, trained information and Referral Specialists give personalized attention to each caller. Specialists can refer callers to a variety of service that best meets their needs. 211 is the number to call when you aren’t sure who to call.

Assistance is available in multiple languages, and services are accessible to people with disabilities. Languages can be assisted with use of our Language Line translation service that can translate 150 languages.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Federal Communications Commission designated 211 the national community service and volunteer number in July of 2000.
There may come a time that you or someone you know needs help, but don’t know exactly what kind of assistance is available – let alone how to access it. 211 can assist by help clarify your personal situation and then utilize an extensive up-to-date database to determine the best resource(s) for you. 211 is where you go when you don’t know where to turn for help, acting as a single point of contact to thousands of social service programs.
211 in Iowa follows standards recommended by Inform USA. The The Inform USA Standards and Quality Indicators for Professional Information and Referral are reviewed and published regularly and are free to view online.
  • Families seeking services for their children
  • Seniors seeking legal assistance, benefits help, volunteer opportunities
  • Businesses helping an employee find resources to help their family
  • Laid-off workers struggling to feed their families
  • Disaster victims seeking information
  • Teachers, clergy, and agency staff seeking help for their clients
  • Anyone seeking services in their community
211 services are free. Your telephone provider’s long distance rate may apply if you are calling one of the local 10-digit numbers from out of the area. If you are calling from a cell phone, air time and other cell phone charges may apply.
You can dial 211 from most landlines, VoIP, and cellular carriers; however, some cell phone carriers and office buildings block access to all N11 numbers except 911.
If you are having problems dialing 211, call one of the 10-digit numbers below:
Direct: 515-246-6555
Toll Free: 800-244-7431
Text: Text Your ZipCode to 898211
Chat Hours: Mon thru Fri, 8AM – 4PM
Chat: Click Here To Start A Chat Session
Email: UWCI211@unitedwaydm.org
A variety of factors distinguish 211 from 411. For example, the 211 call center and database is maintained by a nonprofit organization, rather than a telecommunications company, and the service is offered to callers at absolutely no charge. Moreover, Iowa 211 minimizes the use of automation, and provides much more than mere directory assistance. We employ trained Information and Referral Specialists who ask questions, make assessments, and offer assistance navigating potential service providers. The Information and Referral Specialists are both caring and empathetic; they are people to call when you don’t know where to turn for help
Non-English speaking callers are assisted by a telephone interpreting service with access to 150 languages.
A comprehensive and up-to-date database is maintained with over 13,000 programs and services listed. Each caller’s circumstance varies and trained Information and Referral Specialists work with each individual to try to locate resources that may be able to assist them.
Iowa 211 Call Centers serve all counties in the state of Iowa. Click on the link to find your 211 Center.
Texting service is available in Iowa and Nebraska. By texting your zip code to 898211, you will reach a trained specialist who can assist you. The hours texting is available varies by 211 center. To learn more, text your zip code to 898211 or click on your service area.
211 is currently available to over 90% of the United States population, check www.211.org for more information. Visit http://211us.org/status.htm to check the current status.
Agencies can apply for their programs to be listed in this database, but first must meet the requirements and criteria of the Inclusion/Exclusion Policy. Each application request form that is submitted is reviewed for compliance with requirements and inclusion criteria. If you would like to list your agency in the 211 database, please click on the link.
211 provides a balanced set of resources to help with multiple needs. 211 follows standards recommended by Inform USA. The Inform USA Standards and Quality Indicators for Professional Information and Referral are reviewed and published regularly and are free to view online.
Annual updates are sent out to each agency listed in the 211 database to be reviewed and updated. To update your Agency information, click on the link.
In addition to our primary role of connecting residents to the help they need, Iowa 211 is involved in local disaster planning, response, and recovery. Whether it is a flood, windstorm, extended heatwave, ice storm, or other types of disasters, 211 provides support to community and emergency service providers in the event of a disaster.

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