211 Connecting Connecticut with Services

2-1-1 Infoline is an integrated system of help via the internet and telephone. As a single source for information about community services, referrals to human services, and crisis intervention it is accessed toll-free from anywhere in Connecticut by simply dialing 2-1-1.

It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Multilingual caseworkers and TDD access is available. Infoline was created in 1976 as a public/private partnership of United Way and the State of Connecticut. Connecticut is the first state in the nation to use 2-1-1 statewide.

By the mid-eighties, it had gained national recognition as a model system. In July 2000, the Federal Communications Commission designated 2-1-1 as the number to call nationally for information about health and human services. United Way of Connecticut was a leader in making the three-digit number accessible nationwide and is now involved in helping other states set up their 2-1-1 systems.

Serving Agencies, Government and Businesses Infoline has developed the state’s most comprehensive database of human service resources. It is continuously updated, providing the foundation for mailing lists, a statewide directory available on CD Rom, and a searchable database on its web site www.infoline.org. The collection of data on demographics and caller problems provides another valuable resource by presenting an overview of the problems facing Connecticut residents.

This data is used for many types of human-needs assessments in the state. Customized arrangements enable many nonprofit agencies to provide afterhours coverage for their clients. Infoline caseworkers screen calls and access agency staff when crisis intervention is necessary.