Yesterday I learned about 211, a nation-wide telephone/web directory that helps people locate specific services. I haven’t heard of this before and was amazed at how comprehensive it is.

Services include:

• Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
• Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

You can see specific resources available through the 211 website.

Seattle has an amazing amount of help available for those in need. I’ve previously mentioned volunteering with Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP) and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). Those are just a few of the resources available for those who need it.