211 Resource Finder

We know that the needs of our East Portland Pediatric Clinic, portland pediatrician, families don’t end once they leave our office. The overall wellbeing of the children in our care, and their caregivers, is very important to us. That’s why we’d like to spotlight a vital local resource: 211.

 

More than a three-digit phone number, 211 offers comprehensive information about local resources and social services throughout our country. Continue reading for more information on 211 and how to use it.

 

What is 211?

With more than 200 agencies throughout the country, the 211 network responds to over 21 million requests each year. While most communications are people reaching out for help to meet their basic needs (such as housing, food, and clothing), 211 also offers information about, and resources for, everything from basic needs to health care.

 

This is because each 211 agency works with (and is funded by) various local, state, and national organizations, including Goodwill, United Ways, community partners, and local centers. For more general information on 211 and its mission, go here.

 

How to contact our local 211

For the Portland Metro Area, our local 211 agency is 211info. You can communicate with this community-based nonprofit either by calling, texting, emailing, or through the app. It’s staffed by trained local experts and community specialists.

 

To call, just dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-698-6155. Someone is available to take your call 24/7. Language interpreters are available. Calls to 211 are free and confidential and can also be anonymous.

 

To reach out by text, text your zip code to 898211 from Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Staff can respond in English and Spanish.  

 

For email, use [email protected]. You’ll receive a response within 24 hours. English and Spanish responses are also available.

 

Or you can reach out through the 211 Helpline app, which is available for download through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

 

You can also search for resources online at their website, 211info.org. There are dozens of different services to choose from, depending on your need. For Portland families, these may include childcare and parenting, health care, foster family support, behavioral issues, and youth services.

 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, or have more questions, you can also speak to one of 211’s parent educators over the phone. Or text “children” or “ninos” to 898211, or email [email protected].

 

We hope this helps! If you have any questions or need additional support, give us a call.