Every hour of every day, someone in the United States needs essential services - from finding an after-school program to securing adequate care for a child or an aging parent. Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of agencies and help-lines, people often don't know where to turn. In many cases, people end up going without these necessary services because they do not know where to start. 2-1-1 helps people find and give help.

2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The implementation of 2-1-1 is being spearheaded by United Ways and comprehensive and specialized information and referral agencies in states and local communities. United Way of America (UWA) and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) strongly support federal funding so that every American has access to this essential service.

PASS 2-1-1
We want our nation's leaders on Capitol Hill to hear our voices. Please join our efforts to obtain critical federal funds for your community. We encourage you to contact your Senators and Representatives to urge co-sponsorship of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act. The legislation will provide federal money to states starting or enhancing a 2-1-1 system.

Encourage your congressional representatives to pass
The Calling for 2-1-1 Act by Calling 1-888-PASS211.

Read about recently introduced legislation.

Read more about United Way of America’s Public Policy Activities surrounding 2-1-1.

You can also make your views known electronically by logging on to: www.capwiz.com/unitedway/home.