Feb. 11 is recognized as “211 Day” to raise awareness of the 2-1-1 helpline connecting people to essential local resources, ranging from mental health support to food assistance.

By dialing the number “211,” callers can be connected to community specialists who are available to help them access the appropriate local resources and services to meet their needs. The number was first designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000.

The 211 network in the U.S. responds to more than 16 million requests for help every year.

There are over 200 organizations that provide 211 services, including the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, which has staff available for calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you call, you’ll answer some basic questions regarding your needs before you’re connected with staff members who provide immediate and confidential short-term crisis intervention and information.

Resources provided by 211

After providing immediate intervention, staff members will refer 211 callers to more than 3,000 human services in the Tampa Bay area, including resources for:

Health and substance abuse

“It is a national celebration of the vital role that 211 and organizations like the Crisis Center play in connecting people to help, hope, and healing,” The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay wrote in a statement. “It’s a chance for us to spread the word about the full spectrum of support available, and to invite every resource – large and small, crisis or not – to join our network. When organizations are part of our database, we can link callers to the assistance they need, whether that’s rent relief, counseling, transportation, or something else entirely.”

Data: The biggest needs of people who use 211

Data provided by United Way Worldwide shows that housing assistance referrals are the top need of people calling the 211 hotline nationwide. Referrals have increased from around 2.9 million in 2019 to 5.6 million in 2024.

Utilities assistance calls also increased by 12% in a two-year time span, with early 8.5 million referrals, representing 45% of all referrals in 2024.

There were also 2.5 million referrals for help related to food and meal assistance in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023.