Every day thousands of people across the country find the help they need quickly, conveniently and free of charge because of Information and Referral services like those provided by King County 2-1-1.

Information and Referral is the art, science, and practice of bringing people and services together and is an integral component of the health and human services sector.

People in search of critical services often don’t know where to begin looking for help and can get overwhelmed when searching for assistance with utility or rent payments, food, shelter, childcare, jobs, or legal resources. “It usually takes 10-12 calls before someone is able to find the right agency to help them. By calling 2-1-1, they can get that information with a single call,” explains Susan Gemmel, 2-1-1 Director for Crisis Clinic.

Information and referral services like King County 2-1-1 streamline the process by assessing each caller’s unique needs and referring them to agencies best equipped to assist them. 2-1-1 is much more than directory assistance. Callers also get useful information about how to access services in a complex system that is often difficult to navigate.

King County 2-1-1 has seen a 35% increase in call volume in 2012 and is now entering one of their busiest times. People begin calling as early as August each year trying to figure out where they can get food for Thanksgiving or presents for their children during the holidays. One mother who recently called 2-1-1 for holiday assistance expressed her thanks, saying: “I’ve called before and you guys are so helpful. You’re the last hope for people in my situation.”

Colder weather can also mean an increase in call volume for 2-1-1. As the temperature drops, individuals and families struggle to pay heating bills; others call looking for emergency severe-weather shelters.

No matter the need, 2-1-1 is here to help.

King County 2-1-1 is part of a state wide network that is free and easily accessible to anyone in the community looking for resources. To help celebrate National I&R Day, King County 2-1-1 encourages residents to contact their legislators to support state wide funding of the 2-1-1 service.

King County 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-621-4636

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

TTY 206-461-3610 or 7-1-1 Relay

Language interpretation is also available

Search for community resources online at: http://www.wa211.org