Frequently Asked Questions About 211

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What Services Does 211 Provide?

211 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable telephone number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.

On July 21, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that the telephone number 211 be designated nationwide as the number to call for access to community information and referral services. The FCC stated that there is “sufficient public benefit to justify the use of this scarce public resource”.

Today, 200 organizations provide 211 across the United States. In 2024, the 211 network responded to 16.8 million requests resulting in 18 million hyperlocal referrals for assistance. 99% of communities across the U.S. have access to 211.

What about emergencies?

2-1-1 is not an emergency line. Call 9-1-1 if you’re facing a situation that requires help from police, fire or medical resources.

Do you provide counseling?

211/988 of Pathways of Central Ohio is a blended center. It not only provides information and referral, it also provides crisis management and suicide prevention. While we do not provide counseling, we do help you problem solve and help you to determine what referrals and what plan will meet your specific need. The 211/988 Crisis Response Specialists receive 80 hours of training before they even begin answering the phone. New staff is required to have or be in pursuit of a degree in a helping profession. With sufficient training and experience, crisis response specialists can take part in testing to become Certified Information and Referral Specialists.

What types of information do you give out?

211 provides information on about 1000 agencies and 6000 programs that serve Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot counties that can help with a variety of needs. Examples include referrals for emergency shelter, rent or utility assistance, substance abuse, elder services, relationships, food, depression, employment, health care, abuse, parenting, crisis intervention, suicide prevention and disaster recovery.

I need a ride to my doctor. Is there anyone who can transport me?

Dial 211/988 to be connected with transportation services in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot counties.

Can I just talk about stuff or do I have to have a crisis?

Crises look different for everyone. The 211/988 service was set up to assist people who are having difficulties and to address any issues they may be having.

What type of place is this? Do you have money to help me?

This is an information and referral center and a crisis hotline that you can reach by dialing 211. 211 is a simple to remember number that connects you with a trained professional who can assist you in defining the problems you are experiencing and providing resources that can help you address the issues you are experiencing. 211 in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot counties. does not provide direct financial assistance but can provide you with referrals to programs that can provide financial assistance.

I need medication and have no money. Who can help?

Dial 211 to be connected with programs that provide prescription expense assistance in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot counties.

Can you look things up for me on the Internet?

We can assist you with finding ways to access the Internet in the community. We will use the Internet occasionally to help find resources.

Where can I get help with paying my electric bill/ gas/ rent? Who can help me?

Dial 211 to be connected with programs that provide utility and rental assistance in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot counties.

What is Information & Referral?

Information and Referral (I&R) services are the link between people and community organizations. With more than 60,000 nonprofit organizations in Ohio and scores of government agencies, many people find it challenging to navigate the maze of community resources. I&R specialists assess callers’ needs and determine the best service providers. I&R services maintain comprehensive databases of resources, including federal, state and local government agencies, community-based organizations, and private nonprofit organizations. Currently, Americans make approximately 21 million calls every year to 211. In Ohio, the thirteen 211 regional centers responded to nearly 800,000 calls in 2025. Pathways 211 responded to over 44,000 calls during the last year.

Who Can Use 211?

Anyone living, working or visiting in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot Counties who can access 211 via a land line or cell phone. If you cannot access 211, please call 1-800-544-1601.

Can persons under 18 years of age call 211?

Yes, people of any age can contact 211.

When Is 211 Available?

211 is available to you, by phone or text, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. To reach 211 by text, simply text your zip code to 898211. (This service is not currently available in Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, and Vinton Counties.) Messaging and data rates may apply. Call or text anytime you need help.

When did 211 start in my county?

Pathways has been providing phone-based crisis hotline and information and referral services since 1971. Here is a timeline of how our services have expanded to 19 Ohio counties over the years.
2007-Pathways launches 211 in Licking County.
2008- Pathways launches 211 in Knox County.
2014-2022- Pathways provides 211 in Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties.
2017-Pathways begins texting to 211. Currently offered in Pickaway, Crawford, Marion, Wyandot, Licking, Knox, Athens, and Washington Counties.
2019-Pathways begins providing 211 to Washington County.
2019-Pathways begins crisis hotline services to Marion County.
2019-Pathways begins 211 service to Pickaway County.
2021-Pathways begins providing 211 to Athens County.
2021- Pathways begins crisis hotline services to Crawford County.
2022-Pathways begins 988 services to Crawford, Marion, Licking, Knox, Coshocton, Guernsey, Noble, Muskingum, Perry, Morgan, and Washington Counties.
2024-Pathways begins 211 service to Crawford, Marion, and Wyandot Counties.
2026-Pathways begins 211 service to Coshocton, Guernsey, Noble, Monroe, Jackson, Gallia, Meigs, and Vinton Counties.

Where Can I Get Help?

When you call or text 211, your calls go to a location that is confidential. 211 does not provide face-to-face service so you can only speak with a staff person by telephone or text message.

Where can Ohioans call for answers to complex questions?

For more than fifty years, Information and Referral (I&R) services have helped people find answers. These services have the potential for increasing, by thousands, the number of people helped, but one major obstacle exists. Many people are unaware I&R services are available and therefore struggle to find answers to their questions about community resources. What a difference it would make if these people could simply dial or text 211 and talk to a trained and knowledgeable person with access to accurate information!

I am depressed. Where can I get counseling?

Dial 211 to be connected with programs that provide counseling, mental health or substance abuse services in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot counties.

What if I need services from an area Pathways does not cover?

211 will help connect you to a 211 in your area or you can dial 1-888-OHIO-211 and enter the zip code of the community you are trying to reach. You may also visit www.211.org to search for a 211 in your area. 211 is available to approximately 99 percent of the total US population. 211 covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

How Does 211 Work?

Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211 (not available in all counties) and you will receive the assistance of a trained professional in helping you to determine which referrals and what plan will meet your specific needs.

How do I reach 211?

Simply dial 211. You may also dial 1-800-544-1601 if 211 is not available with your carrier. And, in Licking County, you can call 1-740-345 HELP (4357). You may also reach 211 by text. Simply text your Zip Code to 898211. Text messages are answered 24/7/365. Texting to Pathways 211 is only available in Athens, Crawford, Knox, Licking, Marion, Pickaway, Washington, and Wyandot Counties.

How long can I talk? How many people are there?

As long as you are working to develop a plan to address your needs, 211 staff will work with you. At times, problems can be overwhelming and require more than one phone call. Staff will invite you to call again at your convenience. There is always a minimum of three to four staff on shift.

Will 211 work from my cell phone or home phone?

211 will work with all major cell phone carriers in Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Pickaway, Vinton, Washington, and Wyandot Counties. If you are unable to use 211 from your cell phone, please let us know. You can also reach 211 by dialing 1-800-544-1601 and in Licking County you can also dial (740) 345-HELP (4357). As with any other call you make on your cell phone, you will be charged for airtime. If you cannot reach 211 from your home phone, dial 800-544-1601 or 888-OHIO-211 and enter your zip code when asked.

Can I call 211 from the phone where I work?

Usually. Some companies block 3-digit calls from business phones because of fees that can be associated with those calls. If that’s the case at your company, we hope you’ll ask that 211 be “unblocked.” Your employer will not incur any fees for 211 calls made by employees.

How is the 211/988 Crisis Hotline funded?

The 211/988 Crisis Hotline is funded in part by Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties, the United Way of Licking County, the United Way of North Central Ohio, Pickaway County Public Health, the Licking County Foundation, the Ariel Foundation, the Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Ohio 211, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crawford Marion ADAMH Board, and private donations. To donate, click the button below to be taken to our donation page.

Donate

Pathway of Central Ohio's programs are funded in part by

Ariel Foundation · Corporate and private donations · Energy Cooperative Round-Up Foundation · Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties · National Suicide Prevention Lifeline · Newark City Schools · Ohio 211 · Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services · Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration · The Crawford Marion Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board · The Licking County Foundation · The Pickaway County Health District · United Way of Licking County · United Way of North Central Ohio

Mailing Address

1627 Bryn Mawr Drive
Newark, Ohio 43055

Office Hours

Monday-Friday
8am-4:30pm
Closed most holidays.

Email

mail@pathwaysco.org

Subscribe to 211 Monthly Report

Phone

740-345-6166
Fax: 740-349-9894
Ohio Relay: 800-750-0750
211/988 Crisis Hotline:
211, 988, or 800-544-1601