About 2-1-1

2-1-1 is an easy to remember number to call when you are in need of help and don't know where to turn. Our counselors will listen to your concerns, provide telephone counseling when needed and help to find a health or human service program in the community that may be able to help you. Counselors use our Community Resource Directory to search over 3,000 programs in the area.

2-1-1 is a free service and is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. People call 2-1-1 for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for information about and referrals to community programs such as:

• Basic Needs Resources: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance, housing.
• Medical Programs: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, medical information lines.
• Mental Health Programs: crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
• Employment Assistance Programs: job training/placement transportation assistance, education programs.
• Support for Special Populations: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services, disability assistance
• Children, Youth and Family Supports: child care, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

At VIA LINK, we provide what is known as a "blended" 2-1-1 service. What that means is that we provide telephone counseling, information and referral. (Some 2-1-1 call centers only provide information and referral). So at VIA LINK, whether someone is seeking referrals or counseling or both, the first and most important way we try to help is just by really listening. 2-1-1 is a place you can call when you need to talk to someone who will be supportive and non-judgmental, and who will try very hard to understand exactly what you're saying and how you're feeling. We also can help you think through your situation or problem and explore your options, to help you figure out what you want to do, if anything.

At VIA LINK, 2-1-1 counselors have received extensive training in crisis counseling and suicide intervention. VIA LINK is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All counselors have been trained in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and are ready, willing and able to talk with you if you are experiencing problems and are having difficulty coping. Our counselors can help you if you are feeling so desperate you are thinking about killing yourself. They will allow you to talk about your feelings and listen to your concerns. If you are ready they will also help you talk about potential solutions to your problems.