2-1-1 Texas
Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2-1-1 Texas?

How does 2-1-1 Texas work?

Who is eligible to call?

When is 2-1-1 Texas available?

Is 2-1-1 Texas a crisis hotline?

Will 2-1-1 Texas provide financial assistance?

What types of calls does 2-1-1 Texas receive?

How can I get more information?

Navigating the complex and ever-growing maze of community service agencies and programs can be difficult. By making information about services much easier to find, 2-1-1 Texas will promote self-sufficiency and encourage people to act before their situations become life threatening.

How does 2-1-1 Texas work?

Our local 2-1-1 service is part of a statewide network implemented in fall 2003. Currently, the free 2-1-1 dialing code is operational in 50 percent of the state. United Way's 2-1-1 Texas office was designated by the State as the local 2-1-1 call center for the South Central Texas region, which includes the following counties: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis and Williamson.

In order to provide the most extensive, valuable information possible to every caller, 2-1-1 Texas continues to expand its resource database of government agencies, food pantries, career services, after-school programs, counseling services and many other nonprofit resources in each of these counties. 2-1-1 Texas will not displace these agencies as sources of support and assistance for local residents. 2-1-1 will make sure that those in need get information about where to go in their community to get help.

Who is eligible to call?

Any individual looking for information or assistance to identify the services best suited to meet his or her needs is eligible to call. Case managers, church leaders, employers, teachers or other agencies calling on behalf of their clients, members, employees or students are also welcome.

When is 2-1-1 available?

2-1-1 Texas is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access the 2-1-1 Texas community resource database online 24 hours a day.

Is 2-1-1 Texas a crisis hotline?

2-1-1 Texas is not a crisis line. Individuals in immediate crisis should call 911. Individuals in Travis county looking to speak to a trained counselor should call MHMR's Hotline to Help at 512-472-4357 ext. 1. Individuals living in counties outside Travis may call 2-1-1 Texas to obtain the phone numbers for their local mental health crisis centers.

Will 2-1-1 Texas provide financial assistance?

2-1-1 Texas is a telephone information and referral line. We don't provide financial assistance; however, we can direct you to agencies in the community that may be able to provide assistance.

What types of calls does 2-1-1 Texas receive?

We receive calls regarding health services; food; clothing; housing; government resources; education; employment; counseling; support groups; recreation; community groups; services for children, youth, families and older adults; and many more topics.

Here are a few examples of the types of calls we receive:
What office do I call to request a new street sign?
Where is the nearest library?
Is there a support group for cancer patients?
My elderly mother is homebound and needs someone to take her grocery shopping.
Is there a clothing closet near me?
I have a client who needs literacy instruction.
We don't have health insurance, but my child needs to see a doctor.
Where can I recycle old tires?
Where can I find affordable counseling services?
I need to find help for an aunt in Illinois; whom can I call there?

How can I get more information?

If you would like additional information about 2-1-1 Texas, send an e-mail to: 211Texas@unitedwaycapitalarea.org.

You may also access information from the statewide 2-1-1 Texas Web site www.hhsc.state.tx.us/tirn/tirnhome.htm or the national 2-1-1 web site www.211.org.