211 (telephone number)
211 is an abbreviated dialing code that is reserved in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) as an easily recognizable code (ERC) and excluded from use as an area code. It is intended to reach local information and referral services to health, human, and social service organizations.
| 2-1-1 | |
| Background | |
|---|---|
| N11 code | 211 |
| Service type | Community and social services hotline |
| Introduced | 2000 |
| Regulatory authority | Federal Communications Commission |
| Service details | |
| Purpose | Provides information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations |
| Managed by | Local call centers coordinated by United Way Worldwide and partner agencies |
| Availability | Available in most states and territories |
| Area restrictions | Services vary by locality |
| Access method | Dial 2-1-1 from most telephones; also available via text and web in many regions |
| Call cost | Free and confidential |
| Status | Active |
| Implementation | |
| First deployment | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nationwide coverage | Achieved across most of the United States by the mid-2000s |
| Technical standard | North American Numbering Plan |
| Related services | |
| 311, 411, 511, 911 | |
| North American Numbering Plan • N11 code • Telecommunications in the United States | |
Like the emergency telephone number 911, 211 is one of the eight N11 prefixes of the North American Numbering Plan.