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2-1-1 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

2-1-1 is a special phone number in the United States and Canada. It was created to be easy to remember. When you call 2-1-1, you can quickly get information about health groups and other helpful services. You can also call it if you have an emergency.

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a simple, three-digit phone number. It helps people find local services. These services can include help with food, housing, health care, and more. It's like a guide to community resources.

How 2-1-1 Helps

When you call 2-1-1, a trained person answers. They listen to your needs. Then, they connect you with the right local organizations. This makes it easier to find help quickly. It can be used for many different situations.

Who Can Call 2-1-1?

Anyone in the United States or Canada can call 2-1-1. It is for people of all ages. It helps families, students, and adults. The service is often available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

History of 2-1-1

The 2-1-1 number has an interesting past. For many years, a company called New York Telephone used it. This company is now part of Verizon. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, 2-1-1 was used for wrong numbers. It would automatically connect callers who dialed a number incorrectly.

A New Purpose for 2-1-1

In 1997, the city of Atlanta started using 2-1-1 in a new way. This new use was much like how it works today. It became a number for people to find community help. After Atlanta, many other cities and states began to use 2-1-1. They used it as a special number for non-emergency help. Another similar number, 5-1-1, is used for travel information.

2-1-1 Across Countries

Today, 2-1-1 is widely used. It helps people in both Canada and the United States. Each area has its own local 2-1-1 service. This makes sure the help offered is right for that community.

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