Overview

Mission:  

2-1-1 New York, Inc. (211NYInc) is to provide all New Yorkers with easy and immediate access, without charge, 24/7/365, to high quality, consistent information and referral to health and human services.
Guiding Principles: 
211NYInc is guided by four key principles.  211NYInc. will:

1. Build on existing information and referral (I&R) infrastructure;
2. Recognize regional plans that account for distinct regional differences;
3. Develop protocols in partnership with specialized I&R providers to ensure appropriate calls get to content call operators/experts; and
4. Ensure that regional call centers will be interconnected to provide back-up services during emergencies.

Purpose: 
To lead and oversee the development and operation of a statewide, free, health and human services information and referral system, accessible through the 2-1-1 telephone dialing code, and made eligible for all New Yorkers. 
The 2-1-1 statewide system provides:

1. An Easy-to-remember Phone Number:  A simple three digit phone number is utilized to access Health & Human Services.
2.  A Simpler Process for Accessing Services:  The 2-1-1 system increases efficiency by helping callers clearly define their needs and educating them to the best places to seek help.  It provides a local resource of referrals with the most-up-to-date human service information available.
3. 9-1-1 and Emergency Management Support:   The 2-1-1 system relieves some of the burden of misdirected calls to 9-1-1 call centers, particularly after normal business hours, and help to expand the capacity of emergency management agencies to assist the public during times of crisis.
4. Current Data about Needs and Gaps in Services:  The 2-1-1 system helps to create new community-specific knowledge about needs and gaps in services that can assist elected and appointed policymakers, as well as public and private funders, make better funding decisions and more effectively plan for the future.

Volunteer Opportunities:  The 2-1-1 system helps people connect with opportunities to give their time and talent as volunteers to community organizations, helping to build strong, healthy communities.