What is 2-1-1 Santa Cruz County?
2-1-1 Santa Cruz County, a program of United Way of Santa Cruz is the comprehensive information and referral service for Santa Cruz County. We connect over 8,000 Santa Cruz County callers and texters each year with information about health and human services available to them.
2-1-1 Santa Cruz County phone and text service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 is available in 150 languages through phone interpretation services.
During times of disaster, 2-1-1 provides incident-specific information in coordination with local emergency services, including road closures and shelters both locally and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 2-1-1?
A: 2-1-1 is a FREE service that connects community members to information about critical health and human services available in their community. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 utilizes both bilingual Call Specialists and a phone-based translation service to offer 2-1-1 information and referral in over 150 languages. 2-1-1 also provides incident-specific information during times of disaster, including road closures and shelters.
Q: How can I access 2-1-1?
A: BY PHONE: Dial 2-1-1 from a landline or cell phone in Santa Cruz County or by dialing our toll-free number (831-713-4111). BY TEXT: Text your zip code to 898-211. ONLINE: Search the 2-1-1 resource database online at www.211santacruzcounty.org (or by clicking “Home” on this page).
Q: What if I need to find services in another area?
A: When you dial 2-1-1, let the Call Specialist know the area you need services for and we will gladly give you the toll-free number to the 2-1-1 service for that area. You can also find the toll free number for 2-1-1 services across the country at http://www.211.org.
Q: How does calling 2-1-1 work?
A: The 2-1-1 dialing code has been designated by the Federal Communication Commission for community information and referral services, just as 9-1-1 is set aside for emergency services. When you dial 2-1-1 from a landline or cell phone, your phone provider directs your call to the local 2-1-1 provider.
Thank You to 2-1-1 Santa Cruz County Supporters 
2-1-1 Santa Cruz County provided by United Way of Santa Cruz County in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, County of Santa Cruz, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, City of Santa Cruz, Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, City of Capitola, City of Scotts Valley, First 5 Santa Cruz County, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, County Office of Education, Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County, PG&E, Pajaro Community Health Trust, and individual donors.