Need Help? Call 211 – A Free Helpline Connecting Central New Yorkers to Essential Services
Contact Community Services Celebrates National 211 Day, Spreading Awareness of This Vital Helpline for Central New Yorkers in Need
Syracuse, NY – February 10, 2025 – If you need help finding food, housing, mental health support, or other services, there’s one number to call: 211.
Contact Community Services is proud to join organizations across the country in recognizing National 211 Day on February 11. 211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects individuals and families with essential services, including housing, food assistance, mental health support, and more. Available 24/7, the service ensures that those in need can quickly and easily find help.
When residents in Central New York dial 2-1-1, they are connected with trained specialists at Contact Community Services who listen, assess their needs, and connect them to local resources. The service is available in multiple languages and is accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to vital support.
For those who prefer digital assistance, 211 services are also available via:
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Online: www.211cny.com – A searchable database of community resources.
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Text: Send your ZIP code to 898-211 for text-based support.
“A single call to 211 can change the course of someone’s life,” said Katie Lemery-White, the assistant director of crisis services at Contact. “Many of our callers are facing significant stress, and sometimes, they just need to hear that they are not alone. Our connectors provide not only resources but also compassion, understanding, and reassurance that help is available.”
Beyond everyday needs, 211 plays a critical role in disaster response and crisis situations. During the Rome tornado and other local emergencies, 211 provided real-time support, connecting residents with emergency housing, food distribution sites, and crisis intervention services.
211 in Central New York is made possible through funding from United Way, New York state, Onondaga County, and other local partners. The service is part of a nationwide network that connects millions of people each year to vital community services.
About United Way of Central New York:
United Way of Central New York, Inc., is an innovative and collaborative local nonprofit organization that drives solutions to their most pressing human service community needs of Central New York. Through advocacy and relevant leadership, they supply options for impactful giving, and fund programs and initiatives that help create a thriving community. You can find out more at https://unitedway-cny.org/
About Contact Community Services:
Contact Community Services is a nonprofit organization based in Central New York passionately committed to empowering community members of all ages through compassionate support. Our mission is to provide a lifeline for individuals in crisis, fostering mental well-being across communities. Dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health education, we offer safe spaces where hope and healing thrive. Through our main program areas—Crisis and Suicide Prevention, School Support Services, and Training and Education—Contact operates vital services like the 988 Lifeline and 211 CNY. These initiatives strengthen our community by ensuring access to crucial support and resources. Learn more at contactsyracuse.org.