About 211

 What is 211?

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.

211 is certified by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). AIRS is the professional association for more than 1,200 community Information and Referral (I&R) providers.

 How do i contact 211?

There are multiple connection points.

  • Visit www.arkansas211.org
  • Dial 211 to talk with a trained Community Resource Advisor 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • Dial (866) 489-6983 to connect to Arkansas 211 toll free from out-of-state or when using Relay (711)
  • Text your ZIP Code to 898211 (TXT 211)

 is Arkansas 211 available in other languages?

Yes. Arkansas 211 uses an interpreter service that allows us to communicate with callers in more than 150 different languages. The arkansas211.org website has a built-in translation function that supports more than 30 languages (powered by Google Translate).

 How is the database of resources maintained?

Our database is updated daily. Resource Specialists continually check services and contacts to verify changes and ensure our data is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Please contact us immediately if you see any information in printed or electronic directories that you believe is inaccurate.

 How can i update my agency or organization information?

Updating your information has never been easier and can now be done directly through www.arkansas211.org. 

  • Use our search engine at www.arkansas211.org, and type in the name of your agency or program.
  • Click on your agency/program and click the “More Details” button.
  • Click on the “Update this Listing” button to request updates through a pre-populated online form.

 

 What is the history of arkansas 211? 

In 2000, due to efforts of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and United Way Worldwide (UWW), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 211 as the three-digit dialing code for information and referral. This easy-to-remember number was set aside to provide access health and human services.

In 2004, United Ways of Benton and Washington counties submitted a proposal to the Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) to provide 211 services statewide. The PSC approved United Way as the statewide 211 provider in 2007.

The initial launch of a statewide system began in 2008 and operated for one year. In 2010, 211 services relaunched in Northwest Arkansas covering Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington Counties.

In 2017, United Way of Northwest Arkansas received an AmeriCorps grant to expand the 211 database to cover the entire state of Arkansas. After a brief period of repositioning due to changing funding, 211 expanded contact service to the entire state of Arkansas and received an additional grant to expand its system statewide.

 who operates Arkansas 211?  

211 is a program of United Way of Northwest Arkansas. It is supported by United Ways of Arkansas members and generous public and private donations and made possible by a grant by the EngageAR AmeriCorps Arkansas.

United Way of Northwest Arkansas is an independently-governed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization connected to a network of more than 1,400 local United Ways through United Way Worldwide. We have our own board of directors and focus our work creating long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems within our community. United Way of Northwest Arkansas proudly serves Benton, Madison, McDonald and Washington counties.