First Call For Help - Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-HELP555

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Serving New Jersey's Morris, Passaic, Bergen,
Union, and Essex Counties

What is Information & Referral?
Information and referral services (I&R) are the link between people seeking health and human services assistance and the appropriate providers of such services. The Community Resource Specialists answering calls assess the inquirer's needs and determine the service provider best equipped to handle their problems or crises. Additionally, Community Resource Specialists are trained to determine whether a caller may be eligible for other programs. I&R providers maintain comprehensive databases of resources, including federal, state, and local government agencies, community-based organizations, and private non-profits. First Call For Help 2-1-1 provides I&R services to people in Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Union, Essex and Hudson counties.

What kinds of help do people call about?

Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children's health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
Employment Supports: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, and homemaker services.
Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
Volunteer Opportunities and Donations.
And much, much more.

What is 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is the easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. People calling 2-1-1 from Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Union, Essex and Hudson counties will reach First Call For Help.

Are calls to 2-1-1 free?
Yes. Calls placed to 2-1-1 are toll-free. Calls placed from pay phones may require a coin deposit depending on the company that owns the phone.

Can I remain anonymous when I call?
When you call 2-1-1 you do not need to reveal your identify. However, if you do reveal your identity, you can be assured that our services are completely confidential. We will never reveal your name or any other identifying information without your expressed permission.

Will I get to speak to a "real" person?
Yes. You will first hear an automated response that will prompt you to press zero to speak with a Community Resource Specialist. This technology makes it easier for us to serve more people with our small staff. Once you press zero, you will be automatically transferred to an available staff person. If everyone is on the phone at the time you call, you will have the option to wait until someone is available or leave a message so that we may call you back. Either way, you will speak directly with our specially trained and caring staff.

Where else is 2-1-1 available?
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta launched the first 2-1-1 service in 1997. As of January 2005, over 47% of the United States population has access to 2-1-1 service in 32 states and the District of Columbia.

To find a current list of where 2-1-1 is implemented, go to:

For information about 2-1-1 in NJ, visit:

When did 2-1-1 service begin in New Jersey?
On October 3, 2002, the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership received the approval of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to implement and oversee New Jersey's 2-1-1 system. Hunterdon Helpline started the first 2-1-1 service in NJ on October 7, 2002. 2-1-1 became available in Morris, Passaic, and Camden counties on January 27, 2003. Starting on February 11, 2004, 2-1-1 service will be also available in Bergen, Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Salem, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties. 2-1-1 became available in Essex and Hudson counties in October 2004. 2-1-1 should be available statewide in NJ later this year.

How is United Way involved?
United Ways have a long-standing commitment to funding information and referral (I&R) services in their communities. First Call For Help has a strong partnership with, and receives funding from, the United Ways in Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Union, Essex and Hudson counties.

How is First Call 2-1-1 funded?
The majority of the First Call's budget comes from support from the United Ways in the counties it serves. Additional funding is from foundation and corporate grants. First Call also accepts donations from individuals and conducts some fund raising events.

How can I help?

Use 2-1-1 and use it often! When you have a question about community services, call us first!
Make a donation or volunteer.
Buy our CD Directory of Services
Call the Governor and state elected officials to tell them how important the 2-1-1 service is.
Call federal officials and ask them to support the Calling for 2-1-1 Act. If you need to know who your elected representatives are, call 2-1-1 to find out or go to:

What is the Calling for 2-1-1 Act?
The Calling for 2-1-1 Act, introduced by the bi-partisan team of Clinton and Dole, will authorize $200 million in federal funding for 2-1-1. While the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership has put together diverse sources of initial investment including funding from the United Ways of New Jersey, state government, corporations and foundations, a dedicated federal funding stream will help us to build and sustain 2-1-1, insuring its availability to 100% of our state's residents.

Where can I find more information about First Call 2-1-1?
For more information about 2-1-1, please contact us.