2-1-1: First Call for Help
Learn more - what is 2-1-1?
United Way of Hudson County continues to be a resource for families in crisis, providing funding support and advocacy to help our children and families in a non-emergency.
As a “second responder” United Way of Hudson County cannot always be there when a crisis occurs, which is why we created 2-1-1 First Call for Help, the 24/7hotline that provides individuals and families with referrals to their local community resources.(In an emergency, call 911.)
New Jersey’s 2-1-1 became available statewide in 2002 through $2.2 million in funding from New Jersey’s United Ways, the State of New Jersey, county grants and the Verizon Foundation.
Access to 2-1-1 can be done through cell phone, landline and the Internet. And there doesn’t have to be a crisis for individuals to take advantage of the 2-1-1 non-emergency call system. Whatever the issue, 2-1-1 can provide the right referral, if available, for the specific problem. Callers to 2-1-1 receive comprehensive information and referral services on a variety of issues, including:
- food banks, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
- adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
- childcare, after school programs, Kids Care (health insurance programs), family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
- 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.
- financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, and education programs.
The 2-1-1 hotline is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential with multi-lingual and TTY access available to all callers.
