2-1-1 General Information
What is 2-1-1?
2-1-1
has become a universally recognizable three-digit phone number that simplifies
and speeds access to health and human services to meet a caller’s needs,
encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency.
Where is
2-1-1 available?
2-1-1
Texas is available statewide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How does
2-1-1 work?
2-1-1
does not require as much technology as emergency 911. Telecommunications
providers program their
equipment to “translate” the 2-1-1 number to the 2-1-1 Texas network, which
routes based on area code, prefix and time of day—all seamless to the caller.
Trained Information & Referral (I&R) Specialists answer the 2-1-1 calls, assess
needs, and offer referrals to human service programs.
What is a
typical call to 2-1-1?
2-1-1
Texas Centers respond to all kinds of human service needs. The most frequent
needs include food,
financial assistance with rent or utility and housing.
What other
types of needs can 2-1-1 help with?
Callers may also learn where to find child care, find counseling or support groups, seek employment assistance, legal aid or parenting classes, among other needs. I&R Specialists also are trained in crisis intervention such as family violence, suicide, etc.
2-1-1 and Business Telephones
Can my company use 2-1-1?
Yes.
Employers can give employees one simple number to call for information or
support with a personal or family matter, helping employees address such
problems before they grow into a crisis that distracts them or takes them away
from work. Employers (often HR managers) call 2-1-1 directly, as well.
What if 2-1-1
doesn’t work from my telephone?
There are many reasons 2-1-1 may not work—most with a quick fix. Sometimes it is that the 2-1-1 number is blocked internally and other times it is because the telecommunications provider has not enabled 2-1-1.
Do not
call your telephone company.
Please
contact the Texas Information and Referral Network.
Our company has blocks on 411 because of cost. Will there be a cost for making 2-1-1 calls?
2-1-1 calls are considered “local” calls. There is no additional charge for making a 2-1-1 call. However, because most cellular plans charge customers based on usage, the 2-1-1 caller on a cell phone would be charged normal minutes, fees and taxes for usage. Similarly, a 2-1-1 call would be considered as any other local call if the caller is using a “pay-as-you-go” or “pay-per- local-call” service plan.
What are the
considerations for business phones that need to provide access to 2-1-1?
• Offices that have “phone extensions” may already have the three digits “2-1-1” assigned to an extension. This three-digit number needs to be re-programmed so that callers may access 2-1-1.
• If employees need to dial “9” or a special access code for an outside line, then 2-1-1 will require it, too.
• If the company owns a private branch exchange (PBX), its telephone system may require programming for 2-1-1 access.
