The Washington state Legislature included $1 million in funding for the statewide 211 system in the final budget. Funding will support the seven 211 regional call centers that make up the Washington Information Network 211 (WIN211).

211 is a free, confidential, and easy-to-remember phone number that serves as a lifeline for over a half million people across the state each year. With a single phone call to 2-1-1, those in need receive information and referrals to essential health and human services such as:

• Where to go for food and shelter

• What to do if utilities are turned off

• Where to get free or low-cost health and dental care services

• How to get rent or mortgage assistance

• Where to find job assistance and employment resources

• How to get help with civil legal issues

• Where to find services for Veterans

People in search of critical services often don’t know where to begin looking for help and can get overwhelmed when searching for assistance.

“It usually takes 8 to 12 calls before someone is able to find the right agency to help them. By calling 211, they can get that information with a single call,” said Madelyn Carlson, Administrator for WIN 211.

Information and referral services like 211 streamline the process by assessing each caller’s unique needs and referring them to agencies best equipped to assist them. 211 is much more than directory assistance. Callers also get useful information about how to access services in a complex system that is often difficult to navigate.

For more information or to access the database online, visit online: http://win211.org/.