News Articles/Press

April 1, 2009 - 211 is a collective resource supported by local statewide United Way organizations and the Massachusetts Association of Information & Referral Specialists. Dianne DePippo, UWGAT President, states "United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton is pleased to participate in this critical service, which will allow greater access to our residents."

 

• Is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.

• Serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, non-profit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources.

 

• Is a confidential call.

 

• Maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.

 

• Is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

 

• Is an easy way to find or give help in your community.

 

• 2-1-1 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.

 

• Dial 211 from any phone and if you have trouble with the connection, you can use their toll free number 1-877-211-6277.  

 

Hearing Impaired Information...
Mass 2-1-1 now has a TTY line to make human services and information more accessible to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals. The TTY, also called a text telephone, uses terminals for two-way text conversation over a conventional telephone line. Each individual must have a TTY for a two-way conversation.

The Mass 2-1-1 TTY number is 617-536-5872.

The other option is for callers to use Mass Relay (7-1-1). 7-1-1 is the single, toll-free, nationwide number that gives everyone access to relay services. People can simply dial 7-1-1 from any phone to reach someone who uses a standard phone or a TTY. An operator will relay verbatim the conversation between the parties.

 

 

Such information and referrals that may be accessed include, but are not limited to the following types of services:

• Basic Human Needs Resources:   food pantries & kitchens, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources:   health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, MassHealth Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.

• Employment Supports:   financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.

• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities:   adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.

• Support for Children, Youth and Families:   child care, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

• HMIS:   Homeless Management Information Systems

• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations.

If you need help, and just don't know where to begin, call the 211 InfoLine.     InfoLine is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.   You can also visit www.mass211.org for more information.