Services
for Hearing Impaired
How to Help
Give 2-1-1 a try!
Learn firsthand how great 2-1-1 is—try it out! Pick up your phone now and dial 2-1-1. Here are some examples of questions you can ask:
- Where can I donate clothing?
- Is there an after-school program near my child's school?
- Where can I find volunteer opportunities?
- I'm trying to find a parenting class. Can you help?
- Where can my elderly mother find an adult day care program?
Donate today
United Way is working to raise money to support the operation of
2-1-1 in 7 Bay Area counties during the next five years.
» Make a donation today!
Refer a friend
Know someone who needs help? Tell him or her to call 2-1-1or from San Mateo county dial 800-273-6222.
Be an advocate
"The Calling for 2-1-1 Act" will authorize $250 million to help implement and sustain 2-1-1 nationwide. Encourage your representative to cosponsor the Act. Get up to date information on the status of 2-1-1 legislation by visiting United Way's
» Public advocacy page.
Why volunteer for 2-1-1 / HELPLINK?
- Gain valuable crisis intervention skills
- Expand your knowledge of community needs and resources
- Enhance your interpersonal skills
- Meet a variety of new people
- Develop networking opportunities
- Professional training program
- No previous experience necessary
- Help your Bay Area community: 2-1-1 / HELPLINK relies on the dedication of our volunteers to enable us to keep our hotlines fully staffed.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Volunteer with 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a toll-free phone number that connects Bay Area residents with local community services, such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, child care and more. Trained, caring specialists answer calls 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week, and can assist callers in more than 150 languages.
Information and Referral Specialist Volunteer
Work alongside our Call Center Staff to provide a live voice for callers to connect to. Be the link for those we serve to the essential resources in our community. Read more...
Resource Specialist Volunteer
Contribute your research skills to the Resource Department and support our call center staff by helping them to provide callers with up-to-date community resource information. Read more...
Community Outreach Volunteer
Be an advocate by representing 2-1-1/HELPLINK at community events and/or present to community groups on how 211 helps in our community. Disperse vital information to connect Bay Area residents to the local resources they need. Read more...
» Apply to volunteer now. (pdf opens in a new window)
You can also volunteer by calling 2-1-1.
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San Francisco
Food Bank
"The convenience of being able to direct people to United Way's 2-1-1 service is a tremendous asset in our fight to end hunger in San Francisco," says Paul Ash, executive director of the San Francisco Food Bank.