211 is the three digit number set aside by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in July 2000 for the sole purpose of providing health and human service information and referral. Akin to a simple number for emergency services, 911 and directory assistance, 411; 211 is the three digit dialing code for health and human service information and referral (I&R).  Southwest/Central Louisiana 211 covers Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Rapides, and Vernon Parishes with three digit dial service to approximately 2,000 human service agencies that can assist the client with a variety of matters from disaster information and referral to assistance with food, clothing and shelter, child care, support groups, and counseling to volunteer opportunities and donation information.  For more information within our region dial 211 or dial 337.310.4636 or toll free 1.866.310.4636.

A single access point for every day needs and in times of crisis.  For example, 211 can offer access to the following type of services:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance.

• Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health and children's health insurance programs.

• Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs.

• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.

• Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, after school programs, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.

• Volunteer opportunities and donations.

 

How Does 2-1-1 Work in Lousiana?

211 statewide coverage is made possible by the partnership between Southwest Louisiana Education and Referral Center Inc.(the 4th 211 center created in the country) d/b/a 232-HELP/211, VIA LINK/211, Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center/211, The Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana/310-INFO/211, United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Shreveport SRO, Inc. d/b/a Centerpoint/211 and the Louisiana Association of United Ways.  Louisiana is one of only 18 states that provides 211 services across the entire state.

• Is the largest comprehensive information and Referral system in Louisiana, serving 64 parishes

• It is our goal to become staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by fall 2007

• Provides multilingual services and information for the hearing impaired

• Provided over 700,000 referrals in 2005 & 2006

• Maintains a computerized database of over 15,000 resources and services statewide

• Works in collaboration with non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, and government

• Abides by the standards established by AIRS and is endorsed by United Way of America

 

310info/211 BENEFITS: 

• One call gives you access to resources across your community. 211 is efficient, fast and easy to use

• No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resources

• 211 is a confidential call

• 211 maintains the integrity of the 911 system

• 211 saves that vital community resource for life and death emergencies              

• 211 is always there for you with 24-hour/7 day a week availability

• 211 is an easy way to find help in your community

 

 

 

 

211 is the Information and Referral program of the Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana