Dial 2-1-1 In Shasta County

SHASTA COUNTY – A new, easy-to-remember telephone number is the key to accessing thousands of Shasta County’s health and human services for anyone who needs help or wants to help. 2-1-1 Shasta is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in multiple languages. Dial 2-1-1 from any Shasta County landline or visit www.211shasta.org.

“In the same way 9-1-1 connects people to emergency services, 2-1-1 provides a single point of entry for people who need help as well as people who have help to give,” said Marta McKenzie, Director of the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency. “We appreciate the support of our partners - First 5 Shasta, The California Endowment, CalTrans and United Way – who made it possible to bring 2-1-1 to Shasta County. As people use this service, it will continue to get better as we further identify the resources that our community needs the most.”

When a caller dials 2-1-1 from any landline, a trained call specialist will assess their situation and tap into a database to locate appropriate services like food banks, shelters, physical and mental health resources, employment supports, housing, resources for children, and support for older adults and people with disabilities. Similarly, callers wishing to volunteer or donate can also be connected to opportunities.

“Offering an easy way for people to access basic needs couldn’t have come at a better time for our community,” said Susan Wilson, United Way 2-1-1 staff member. “Callers often need help with several things – food, utilities, transportation – and 2-1-1 can help them with all of those things with a single phone call, saving time and reducing frustration.” 2-1-1 will be available by cellular phone in the near future. To learn more, visit www.211shasta.org.