--- title: "What Is 211? The Free Help Line for Local Assistance" description: "What is 211? A free, confidential line that connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, health and crisis services by phone, text or web." url: https://neededcash.com/assistance/211/ updated: 2026-10-10 site: NeededCash --- One call for local help # What is 211? 211 is the number to call when you do not know who can help. It is free, it is confidential and the people who answer know local programs. Quick answer 211 is a free, confidential information and referral line run by United Way and local partners across most of the United States. Call or text 211, or search online, and a specialist connects you to local programs for rent and utility help, food, housing, health care, child care and crisis support. It does not hand out money itself, but it knows which local funds are open now. ## How to get the most from a call 1. **Say the deadline first.** "My power is shut off Friday" helps the specialist sort options. 2. **Have the basics ready.** ZIP code, household size, income and the bill or notice. 3. **Ask for every option.** Charities, county programs and utility hardship funds all count. 4. **Write down names and numbers.** Then call the programs the same day. ## If it is a crisis For a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988. For immediate danger, call 911. ## Common questions ### Is 211 free? Yes. The call and the referrals are free and confidential. ### Does 211 give money? No. It refers you to agencies and charities that may provide money, food or services. ### Is 211 available everywhere? It covers most of the United States. If 211 does not connect, search the 211 website by ZIP code. ## Where these facts come from - [211.org: local help with rent, food and bills](https://www.211.org/) - [988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) Sources checked October 10, 2026. Programs and rules change; confirm details with the agency or company before you act. ## Disclosures **Not a lender.** NeededCash.com is not a lender, loan broker, or agent of any lender and does not make credit decisions. We operate a free matching service that shares the information you submit with participating licensed lenders and lending partners, who may contact you with an offer and who pay us a referral fee. **Rates and terms.** Each lender sets its own rates, fees, and terms and will disclose them in writing as required by the federal Truth in Lending Act before you sign. Personal and installment loans from lenders in our network typically carry APRs from about 5.99% to 35.99% with terms from 3 to 84 months. Representative example: a $5,000 loan over 36 months at 15.99% APR has 36 payments of $175.76 and a total cost of $6,327.36. ## Keep going - [Assistance programs](https://neededcash.com/assistance/) - [Money emergencies](https://neededcash.com/situations/) --- Canonical page: https://neededcash.com/assistance/211/