2-1-1 FAQ & History
What is 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is an easy to remember, three-digit telephone number that links individuals and families with important health and human services resources in their community. Resources can be for every day needs or those in immediate crisis.
2-1-1 offers access to:
- The Aging and Disability Resource Center for assessment
- Permanent housing prioritization assessments for homeless individuals and families
- Child Care/after-school care/tutoring
- Physical and mental health services
- Kentucky American Water Help 2 Other enrollment
- Basic needs like food, shelter and clothing
How does 2-1-1 work?
Customers simply dial 2-1-1 or text their 5-digit zip code to 898211 for information on vital local services. 2-1-1 is free, confidential and available 24/7/365. We are multilingual and staffed by Navigators ready to help you find the connections you need.
Is my community covered by 2-1-1 services?
View a map of 2-1-1 coverage in Kentucky
How can I reach 2-1-1 from my cell phone?
Callers should be able to dial 2-1-1 from any home, office or cell phone. If you do experience difficulties you can always reach the service through the toll-free number at 1-866-362-6211.
How can I reach 2-1-1 from work?
If you call from work and cannot reach 2-1-1, try using the toll-free number at 1-866-362-6211.
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 specialists 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.
What is the difference between 911, 311, 411, etc.?
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: Used virtually nationwide by carriers for directory assistance
- 5-1-1: Assigned for traffic and transportation information
- 6-1-1: Used broadly by carriers for repair service
- 7-1-1: Assigned nationwide for access to Telecom Relay Services
- 8-1-1: Used by local exchange carriers for business office use
- 9-1-1: Used nationwide for emergency services
N11 codes "011" and "111" are unavailable because "0" and "1" are used for switching and routing purposes
