Cary, NC – When you find yourself behind on a rent payment; when you’re seeking caregiving assistance; when your home has been destroyed by a natural disaster -- Helps starts here with NC 211.
Since 1999, NC 211 has been serving the state as an information referral center for health and human services. Operated by United Way of North Carolina and powered by 47 local United Ways across the state, the valuable NC 211 service connects North Carolinians with resources that can help them get back on their feet in the most challenging of times. Offered in multiple languages, North Carolinians can have a free, confidential conversation with a Community Resource Specialist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162.
On February 11, NC 211 joins United Way organizations and 211 call centers across the country to celebrate National 211 Day to highlight this critical service and give thanks to the many NC 211 staff members who work tirelessly to provide excellent service to their callers.
In 2024 alone, NC 211 took 208,641 calls, with 31,572 of those calls relating to Hurricane Helene, which hit Western North Carolina on September 27. The level of call volume skyrocketed that day, upon former Governor Roy Cooper activating the NC 211 number as the non-emergency number to call during the disaster. NC 211 not only took resource-related calls, but also assisted with processing 15,985 welfare checks through texts and phone calls from folks searching for their loved ones in western North Carolina after Helene hit.
Despite disaster-related or everyday challenges, NC 211 remains strong in its mission to provide resources of relevance and quality to each person in need who contacts the service. That means from the first hello, someone calling 2-1-1 is reaching a real person who can talk through their specific situation with empathy, compassion, and expertise.
Just last month, a caller named “Trevor” dialed 2-1-1 for the first time. “Trevor” is a single father with one child and works full time. He had an unexpected expense come up, making it difficult to pay for his upcoming electric bill. Upon calling NC 211, he spoke with a dedicated Community Resource Specialist who quickly referred “Trevor” to 3 resources in his area to contact for assistance. The Community Resource Specialist he talked to was respectful, kind, and attentive to his need for help.
David Mercado, Senior Director of Operations has nothing but great things to say about NC 211: “NC 211 is an invaluable resource, connecting North Carolinians with essential services and support when they need it most. Our commitment to providing free, confidential assistance 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, ensures that individuals and families can navigate challenges and access the help they deserve. At NC 211, we are proud to be a trusted lifeline for our communities."
In addition to finding information over the phone, North Carolinians can also search NC 211’s database of resources by visiting https://nc211.org/ and entering their need and location. This updated search tool makes it easier for folks to find services quickly if they don’t have time to make a phone call. They can also peruse the eLibrary for program- and situation-specific articles that can address their related questions and needs.
From February 1st – 15th, folks can make a friendly $2.11 donation to support the NC 211 program by scanning this QR code or going to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/AgB3tw.
You can join the 211 Day celebration and learn more about NC 211 by exploring https://nc211.org/ and following our TikTok (unitedwaync_nc211), Facebook (NC 211) and Instagram (NC_2_1_1).
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About NC 211
NC 211 is an information and referral service powered by United Way of North Carolina and Local United Ways. Families and individuals in all 100 counties of North Carolina can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 or visit https://nc211.org/ to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community.
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member Services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy. For more information, visit https://www.unitedwaync.org/ .