2-1-1

In the U.S. and Canada, 2-1-1 is a relatively new "universal" telephone number, meant to provide quick and easy-to-remember access to public services. In most places where it is currently available, it is operated by a community-service organization, such as the United Way in the Atlanta area. These groups provide information on where to obtain social services, from government agencies and non-profit organizations, and where to volunteer or make a donation in the community ? of time, money, goods, or services.

Examples of information available through 211:

• job counseling
• suicide prevention
• debt counseling
• low-income housing
• senior citizen programs
• youth programs

While implementation is still spotty, it has been assigned by the FCC for nationwide use, and it is possible that Canada and others in the NANP will adopt the standard as well.

In Canada, the number remains unassigned by the CRTC, though an application for its assignment is underway.

At one time, the number was used to reach a coin return operator from Bell.