More than seven-million residents across the Bay Area now have access to the 211 helpline with the official launch of the service in San Mateo County this month. The 211 San Mateo County Steering Committee and United Way of the Bay Area hosted a celebration for the launch on 211 Day on Friday, February 11, or 2-11.
211 is an easy-to-remember, toll-free phone number that connects callers with local community services, such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality child care, volunteer opportunities and more.

San Mateo County is the final county in the Bay Area to receive 211 service, completing the 211 regional network, which now serves 12 counties. Last year, 211 assisted more than 218,000 Bay Area callers, up 6% from 2009. The service is confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages.

“Launching 211 in San Mateo County makes finding help, and giving it, a lot easier,” said Anne Wilson, chief executive officer of United Way of the Bay Area. “The helpline enables residents to quickly navigate the maze of government and nonprofit agencies that provide health and human services in San Mateo County.” She noted that without 211, people often call several agencies before getting through to the correct service, while many give up before finding the help they need.

211 is also an integral component of the county’s disaster-response infrastructure and will alleviate misuse of 911 for non-emergencies. During a disaster, 211 provides critical information about evacuation routes, food and shelter, as well as support with finding new jobs and permanent housing during long-term recovery.

“United Way’s 211 is the ultimate tool for providing access to the thousands of services in our county,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, who co-chairs the 211 San Mateo County Steering Committee with Sheriff Greg Munks and San Mateo Central Labor Council Secretary/Treasurer Shelley Kessler. “United Way’s 211 specialists are experts at directing those in need to services, as demonstrated by how well they provide 211 in other counties.”

Residents from around the Bay Area can visit www.211bayarea.org to search the region-wide database of services. Information about 211 nationally can also be found on the website. United Way partners closely with San Mateo’s Community Information Program (CIP) to update and maintain the 211 San Mateo County database, which is the backbone of the helpline.

For more information, contact Maria Stokes, United Way of the Bay Area 415-808-4264 or mstokes@uwba.org.