Saturday, February 11 is 211 Day, celebrating the go-to resource 211, which helped 1.3 million people in New Jersey access help for immediate or long-term challenges last year.
Throughout 2022, trained call specialists connected people to locally available services, including help with rent, food, utility bills and health care. NJ 211 also assisted residents with referrals for mental health, substance use disorders, transportation, and income support.
211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects New Jersey residents with health and human services support. Anyone in need of help or information can call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 to reach trained 211 specialists. In 2022, the service handled over 330,000 live contacts, which included text, chat, email, and had over 980,000 website visits from people in New Jersey.
Melissa Acree, executive director of NJ 211, is encouraging people to use the service.
“People reached out to 211 this year to find information on basic needs, like heating or utility assistance, elder care, or to find the closest food bank. They also called for everyday information like housing resources or how to locate job training or find free tax filing support,” Acree said.
211 has helped a number of New Jerseyans, including Judy, who needed help with transportation when she couldn’t access a ride to the pharmacy for her son’s asthma medication.
A vast amount of local information is available through the service, including health and mental health resources, health insurance programs, support for older Americans and people with disabilities, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, legal assistance and support for children, youth and families.
NJ 211 was founded by the United Ways of New Jersey in 2002 and remains committed to the 211 service today. In addition, government, nonprofits and foundations help support this vital service.
211 is currently available to 99% of people in the U.S. and across all of Canada.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call 211 or visit NJ211.org. Help is available 24/7, in 180 languages.