211: free help finding local services

What should I say when I call?

Just say what you need. No special words. Here is one way to start:

"Hi. I live in East Palo Alto, zip code 94303. I am behind on my electric bill and got a shutoff notice for next Friday. There are four of us at home. Can you help me find programs that help with utility bills?"

Need another language? Say the name of your language when someone answers. Then wait while they bring in an interpreter.

Then:

1. Answer the questions you are comfortable answering.
2. Ask for more than one option. Programs run out of money. Two or three names beat one.
3. Write down each program: name, phone number, address, hours and what to bring.
4. Ask what to expect. Do you need an appointment? Is there a waitlist?
5. Name every need. If you need food and rent help, say both.

What should I have ready when I call?

Your zip code and what you need most. That is enough to start. 211 California says a specialist will ask a few questions, such as your living situation, your age and your income, so they can find programs that fit. It helps to have:

• Your zip code or city
• What you need most right now, in one or two sentences
• Who is in your home: how many adults and children, and their ages
• A rough idea of your household income each month
• Any deadline, like a shutoff notice date or an eviction notice date
• Paper and a pen, or your phone's notes, to write down names and numbers

What if the first program cannot help me?

Keep going. This happens a lot. Programs fill up, change hours or run out of money. It is not about you.

• Try the next name on your list right away.
• Call 211 again. Say what you tried and what happened. Ask for other choices. You can call as many times as you need.
• Ask about waitlists and when the program will take new people.
• Try nearby cities or the next county. Some programs serve a wider area.
• Search online yourself at 211bayarea.org for more options.
• Ask someone you trust to help, like a school family liaison, a pastor or a community center.

Is what I tell 211 private?

211 Bay Area says all contacts are confidential. 211 California says:

• You can ask for help without sharing personal details, unless a detail is needed for a referral.
• Your information is not given to an agency unless you agree.
• If someone is in immediate danger, or abuse is reported, 211 may have to tell emergency services, as the law requires.

What can 211 help me find?

211 connects you to local programs. It gives information and referrals. Local nonprofits run it in many California counties, but not all: 211 California lists 28 counties, and some areas have no 211. United Way Bay Area runs it in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. 211 does not hand out money, rent checks or motel vouchers itself. It tells you which local programs might, and how to reach them.

211 Bay Area and 211 California list help like this:

• Food: food banks, pantries, free meals, and help applying for CalFresh
• Housing: emergency shelter, help with rent or a deposit, affordable housing, help if you face eviction, and tenant rights
• Utilities: help paying gas, electric or water bills
• Health: health care, help with prescriptions, mental health and counseling
• Legal help: referrals to legal assistance
• Family needs: child care, senior services, job training and transportation
• Disasters: news on evacuations, shelters, food and recovery during fires, floods and other emergencies

This page is about using 211 well. For a specific need, see our guides on mental health care, tax credits with an ITIN and making a family preparedness plan.

Should I call 211, 911 or 988?

How do I get emergency alerts on my phone?

Sign up with your county. It is free. During fires, floods or other disasters, your county can send alerts to your phone. 211 California links to these sign ups:

• San Mateo County: SMC Alert
• Santa Clara County: AlertSCC

Who can help

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• 211 Bay Area (United Way Bay Area): 211 for San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Marin, Napa and Solano counties. Dial 211, call 800-273-6222, or text your zip code to 898211. 211bayarea.org
• 211 California: find your local 211 anywhere in the state. If you are outside your home county, call 866-346-3211. Find your local 211 (211ca.org)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Free and confidential, available 24/7/365. 988lifeline.org

This page shares general information. It is not legal advice.

One call can open a door. Take that step today.