Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a free and easy-to-remember phone number that you can dial to access information and referrals to social services and community-based programs.. 

How do I use 2-1-1?

You can dial 2-1-1 for help 24 hours a day, everyday.  A trained service specialist will help link you with the services you need.  Bilingual service specialists and interpreter services are available to accommodate virtually any language.

What is the 2-1-1 Helpline service area?

2-1-1 Helpline is a free call if you live in our 37-county service area:

Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Garvin, Haskell, Hughes, Johnston, Latimer, Le Flore, Love, Marshall, Mayes, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington

You can also reach 2-1-1 by dialing 918-836-HELP (4357) or 877-836-2111.  If calling from a cell phone, regular charges may apply.  

Who calls 2-1-1?

Anyone looking for information or assistance can call 2-1-1. Case managers, church leaders, employers, teachers or other organizations calling on behalf of their clients, members, employees or students are also welcome.  Calling 2-1-1 is free and confidential.

What happens when I call 2-1-1?

When you call 2-1-1, you will be asked to press 9 for English or 8 for Spanish.  A professionally-trained service specialist will answer your call.  In order to give callers the best possible referrals, the specialist will ask for your zip code and may request additional demographic information.  A service specialist will assess the caller’s needs and provide the names and phone numbers of agencies that may be able to help.

What kinds of agencies are listed with 2-1-1?

2-1-1 Helpline has over 2,650 agencies listed in its resource database.  They are primarily private non-profit, faith-based non-profit, or public (government) agencies.  In some cases, for-profit agencies are listed if they provide a critical service not readily available through non-profit or public agencies.

Generally speaking, the agencies to which 2-1-1 makes referrals provide services such as:

• Child care services

• Clothing

• Counseling

• Crisis intervention

• Disability services

• Domestic violence services

• Food

• Health care

• Housing

• Job placement

• Legal assistance

• Rent assistance

• Senior services

• Utility assistance

• Volunteer opportunities

See our agency inclusion/exclusion criteria for more information.

Why 2-1-1?

2-1-1 makes it easier for people needing assistance to navigate the complex health & human services system.  Every day, thousands of Oklahoma families search for emergency assistance, food or shelter. Many times people have trouble accessing the services they need because they don’t know who or where to call. People who want to give back to the community through volunteerism, donations or civic involvement now have resources to link them with opportunities. During community emergencies, Oklahomans have one number to call to receive accurate information about open shelters, where to apply for benefits or how to give help.

Job Postings

2-1-1 Helpline Staff

Community Service Council

Contact Information Services

2-1-1 in Oklahoma and the U.S.

 

2-1-1 Helpline is a program of the Community Service Council, a United Way partner agency.
Copyright (c) 2-1-1 Helpline, 2010-11. All Rights Reserved.

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