What is Alaska 211?
Alaska 211 is United Way's statewide help line for information, referrals and assistance finding vital, available health and human services, community resources, government, and tribal assistance in the callers' communities.
How did 211 come about?
The first 211 in the United States launched in 1997, a joint effort of United Way Worldwide (formerly United Way of America) and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems, or AIRS, in Atlanta. Three years later, the Federal Communications Commission authorized the 3-digit dialing code "2-1-1" for helplines nationwide, allowing each state to implement a process for designating the 211 code to operators locally.
In 2003 United Way of Anchorage convened United Ways in the state, who unanimously agreed a 211 system would be an asset for the state and that United Way of Anchorage would be the one to launch and operate the system. In August of 2007, Alaska 211 answered its first call for help.
By the end of 2024, Alaska 211 had handled 447,151 requests for help and provided 594,006 connections to available resources. In addition, online searches of the 211-database totaled 624,642.
Who is 211?
Alaskans from all walks of life face challenges-a bread winner's sudden job loss, a caregiver helping an aging parent, a neighbor struggling to stay housed, a natural disaster-these and other events can upend anyone's life. When you don't know where to go to tap into available resources that can help, 211 is the first, best place to start.
health care providers, social workers, legislative aides, law enforcement, and school counselors also turn to 211 to access information to help their clients and those they serve.
211 is simple, convenient to use.
Alaskans connect with 211 by calling the easy to remember 3-digit number 2-1-1. They can speak to a community resource specialist Monday through Friday during business hours or search the online database of local resources 24/7 at www.alaska211.org. The service is also available by email at Alaska211@ak.org. Today, 97% of the state's population can reach Alaska 211 by calling 211. For those who can't there is a toll-free number, 1-800-478-2221.
When you call 211, are you talking to a real person?
Yes. 211 community resource specialists answer the calls. This team of highly trained, caring, and compassionate specialists are amazing listeners.
When someone has a challenge or crisis they can reach a real person, an expert who offers comfort, hope, and empowering solutions-from the first hello to the final connection to help.
Comprehensive databases of resources.
211 curates and maintains the most comprehensive database of community, health, and human services in Alaska. Composed of more than 1000 agencies and organizations offering more than 8,000 resources and services.
211 can provide connections to help for almost anything including food, housing, rent and utility assistance, job training, health insurance programs, addiction support groups, after-school programs, legal assistance, veteran services and much more.
Interpretation is available in 170+ languages.
For non-English speakers, connecting to help is no problem. Interpretation services make help available for those who'd otherwise not have access due to language barriers.
211 plays a critical role in disaster response.
Through engagement and seamless activation in times of disaster, 211 serves on state and local emergency operations teams, offering real-time, accurate information-everything from road closures and shelters to recovery resources.
During the pandemic, Alaska 211 took on the greatest challenge since its founding.
The Municipality of Anchorage and the State of Alaska both called upon 211 to be the official go-to source for information for anything from medical and public health questions to making referrals for financial assistance. It's little wonder that 211 staff were classified as essential workers.
Community impact partnerships.
211 serves and supports other organizations' efforts to meet community needs as well. State agencies and organizations engage in partnerships with 211 to offer expanded outreach and enhanced services to Alaskans, creating efficiencies and ultimately improving more lives.
For example, 211 worked with the State of Alaska's Department of Education and Early Development and the 54 school districts across the state to help identify and expand outreach to more of Alaska's students who are experiencing homelessness.
By staying abreast of evolving community challenges, 211 identifies opportunities to leverage existing resources and increase access to supports for Alaskans in need. Learning there were gaps in access and supports for caregivers across the state, we partnered with AARP's Caregiver Program. As a result of our partnership, 211 updated and expanded its database with more identified caregiver resources and services.
What are some of the resources I could access through Alaska 211?
Listings include food pantries, transportation to a medical appointment, elder law attorneys, adult day programs, caregiver resources, caregiver counseling, mental health resources, medical equipment and supplies, senior housing, assisted living facilities, senior centers, rent and/or utility payment assistance, free tax preparation help, aging and disability resources centers.
United Way's commitment and key partners.
If there's one universal truth, it's that life can get messy. This is the space in which you'll find Alaska 211, delivering help and hope to Alaskans when they need it most.
At United Way of Anchorage, 211 is a vital part of the work to remove barriers and build strong, resilient communities where all can thrive.
Sue Brogan is the chief operating officer at United Way Anchorage and Alaska 211.
