From Hello to Help, 211 is Here When You Need it Most. 

In a crisis, disaster, or pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community every day of the year. From finding food and paying for housing and bills to connecting to other essential services, 211 is there, 365/24/7, to answer the call whenever a personal crisis may occur. Every 211 is part of the national 211 network, United, to help as many people as possible. In fact, 211 is a critical part of United Way’s fight for every person’s health, education, and financial stability in Central Florida. 

There When You Need Help. 

There is a reason 211 Call Centers are vital to our community. 211 does more than “patch people through” to agencies. Instead, when someone has a crisis, they can reach a real person, a caring expert who offers comfort, hope, and solutions – from the first hello to the final connection to help. 

211 Specialists receive over 80 hours of training and follow the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) model recommended by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition, many of Heart of Florida United Way’s 211 Specialists are bilingual in English – Spanish and have 24/7 access to professional translators through a telephonic interpreter service to ensure accessibility for all languages. 

“I am just so thankful. I have never needed help or reached out for help before. This was the first time,” said Angel. “You can only imagine the relief I felt when I know there was support out there. My daughter and I are so grateful.” 

Angel, Air Force Veteran and mother

Connecting the Community

211 Specialists connect individuals with local organizations that provide vital services such as: 

• Crisis and emergency counseling for mental health concerns, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking 
• Disaster assistance 
• Food 
• Financial assistance, literacy, and coaching 
• Health care and insurance assistance 
• Stable housing and utility payment assistance 
• Unemployment services 
• Veteran services 
• Child care and family services 
• And more 

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To learn more or get help by visiting www.HFUW.org/GetHelp  

And don’t forget to share this information with as many people as possible so everyone knows where to turn for help. 

211 can be reached via phone by simply dialing 211, texting a zip code to 898-211, or by email, chat, and online database. Services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. 

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Heart of Florida United Way’s 211 is a part of the National 211 Network of approximately 240 contact centers covering 95 percent of the U.S., with 13 centers in Florida. HFUW’s 211 also serves 42 counties in Central Tennessee.