211 of South Central Georgia

Among abbreviated dialing arrangements, "N11" codes are three-digit codes of which the first digit can be any digit other than 1 or 0, and the last two digits are both one. There are only eight possible N11 codes, making N11 codes among the scarcest of numbering resources. Following are the existing N11 code assignments:

2-1-1: Assigned for community information and referral services

3-1-1: Assigned nationwide for non-emergency police and other government services

4-1-1: Unassigned, but used virtually nationwide by carriers for directory assistance

5-1-1: Assigned for traffic and transportation information

6-1-1: Unassigned, but used broadly by carriers for repair service

7-1-1: Assigned nationwide for access to Telecom Relay Services

8-1-1: Unassigned, but used by local exchanged carriers for business office use

9-1-1: Unassigned, but used nationwide for emergency services

N11 codes "011" and "111" are unavailable because "0" and "1" are used for switching and routing purposes.

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral (I&R). 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people in need to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human services’ agencies and programs. By making services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency.

What does 2-1-1 do?

2-1-1 provides callers in need with information about and referrals to human services such as:

Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
Work Supports: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
Children, Youth and Family Supports: child care, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
Volunteer opportunities and donations.

What is I&R?

There are thousands of I&R service agencies operated by non-profit and government organizations throughout the United States. These I&R services answer millions of calls annually. I&R services are responsible for connecting callers with opportunities to get and give help through more than 1.6 million health and human service providers, government agencies, and community-based service organizations in the United States.

I&R agencies maintain comprehensive databases of resources including federal, state, and local government agencies, private non-profit agencies, faith and community based organizations, schools, libraries and neighborhood and civic organizations. The comprehensive I&R agency often maintains this data for the specialized centers in the community and makes it available on the Internet, in other electronic forms, and through paper directories and handbooks.
I&R specialists are skilled professionals. They assess callers' needs and help the caller determine their options and the best course of action. Additionally, I&R specialist are trained to determine whether a caller may be eligible for other programs, to intervene in crisis situations, and to advocate on behalf of the caller, as needed.

Where is 2-1-1?

The 2-1-1 abbreviated dialing code for human services information and referral is currently available in Atlanta, Ga., and the surrounding 13 counties; statewide in Connecticut; Knox County, Tenn.; and Lafayette, La., and the surrounding 6 parishes. Coalitions in Alabama, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah are implementing 2-1-1. Michigan recently enacted legislation designating 2-1-1 for human services I&R. South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin filed statewide 2-1-1 applications and Pennsylvania filed an application for the southeastern part of the state, while Florida and Virginia have developed statewide I&R models. Nearly every other state is pursuing or exploring 2-1-1 designation. Since Atlanta and Connecticut switched from 10-digit telephone numbers to 2-1-1, the volume of calls received at both has increased 40 percent, with each handling approximately 200,000 calls in 1999.

Click here for a complete state by state update.

What does the FCC ruling mean?

On Friday, July 21, 2000, the FCC assigned 2-1-1 for human services information and referral nationwide. Each state public utility or public service commission is now charged with determining who should be awarded the number in that state and how it will be implemented.

How is United Way involved?

United Ways have a long-standing commitment to funding information and referral (I&R) services in their communities. In fact, each year United Ways allocate approximately $15 million for I&R services. Over 500 United Ways fund or operate I&R call centers around the country.

United Ways are encouraged to collaborate with local human services I&R centers to consider the most efficient and effective use of 2-1-1 and draft a business plan for those purposes.

What about the legislation?

On June 29, 2000, Senators Cleland (D-GA) and Snowe (R-ME) introduced legislation assigning 2-1-1 for human services information and referral. With the FCC ruling, the legislation is moot. However, we are grateful to Senators Cleland and Snowe for their leadership on this critical issue.