Often people can not easily access the information or service they need because they do not know whom to call. There is no simple way to remember the name or number of the local service access point. The creation of 211 has changed that.
Within the Commonwealth, there are literally thousands of phone numbers for health and social service programs, government offices, community organizations, volunteer referral centers, donation clearinghouses, educational systems, and neighborhood groups. There are over 100 comprehensive and specialized Information and Referrals (I&Rs) in the Commonwealth, each with its own name and 10-digit phone number.
