Get Help

Don't Know Where to Turn? We Can Help!

What do you do if you have a problem…and don’t know where to go for help?

You probably know the number to call when  you have an emergency that needs immediate attention:  911.  But what if your situation isn't an immediate life or death emergency?

The best place to start is to call 2-1-1.  With our simple, easy-to-remember, three-digit telephone number, you are linked to our trained Information & Referral Specialists.  Our service is 

  • Toll-free;

  • Available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week;

  • Offered in more than 150 languages; and

  • Absolutely confidential.

2-1-1 Orange County was established in response to a fundamental challenge: most people in need don’t realize there are local programs that might help them.  Or they don’t realize they’re eligible to receive such help.  Others may understand there may be help available, but have no idea how to access it.

Get Connected…

Callers seeking assistance can dial 2-1-1 and be connected to trained information and referral (I&R) specialists.  Our I&R specialists ask essential questions about your situation, and then use a comprehensive database to identify and refer you to the appropriate programs. Most of these programs offer their services for free, at a low cost, or on a sliding scale based on income.

The services to which 2-1-1 Orange County refers people fall under several different categories.  The most common request is for what we call Basic Needs.  These include: food (donated food, soup kitchens, grocery vouchers, food stamp programs, etc.); shelter (both short- and long-term); clothing; infants’ needs (baby formula, diapers); and utility assistance.  Other areas of need include:

  • Children’s needs (childcare, after-school programs, school supplies, counseling for children)

  • Health information (local clinics, medical assistance for pregnant women, children’s dental care, insurance information)

  • Employment assistance (unemployment benefits, employment agencies, job training

  • Disaster relief (emergency shelter, non-emergency medical care, water, road closures)

  

Questions? Popular and common questions help you find what you need