211
211
We Connect Residents to Services
211 HandsOn River Region Helpline
211 is a free, confidential helpline connecting individuals and families with essential community services. Accessible 24/7, 211 provides connections to local resources for help with basic needs, mental health support, housing opportunities, employment services, and more, empowering people to navigate complex social systems.
Access the 211 HandsOn River Region Helpline
Alabama residents can contact 211 by calling 211 from a landline or cell phone, texting, chatting online, or searching the local 211 database for disaster-specific resources. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a public health crisis, 211 stands ready to assist, ensuring everyone has the support needed to weather difficult times.
Access the 211 HandsOn River Region Helpline
Alabama residents can contact 211 by calling 211 from a landline or cell phone, texting, chatting online, or searching the local 211 database for disaster-specific resources. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a public health crisis, 211 stands ready to assist, ensuring everyone has the support needed to weather difficult times.
HandOn River Region 211 Programs and Services
A-RESET Program: Skills and Employment for SNAP Recipients
The A-RESET (Alabama Resources for Enrichment, Skill-building, Employment Training) program helps individuals receiving SNAP benefits to develop job skills and secure employment. Exclusively available to those who qualify for SNAP/EBT, A-RESET offers training programs, job placement assistance, and resources to enhance resumes and interview skills. By focusing on those who already receive food assistance, the program ensures that individuals have foundational support as they work toward self-sufficiency.
211 specialists can help callers determine their eligibility for SNAP and guide them through the food assistance application process, which can be accessed online at mydhr.alabama.gov. This assistance allows eligible individuals to enroll in A-RESET and take advantage of the program’s opportunities for skills development and employment readiness.
ALSDE Program: Supporting Students and Families Across Alabama
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) collaborates with 211 to connect students and families to vital resources that support educational success, health, and well-being. By dialing 211, families can learn about programs for educational enrichment, tutoring, family support services, and student wellness initiatives, benefiting students across Alabama.
Support for Unhoused Students through the McKinney-Vento Program
Through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 211 assists unhoused students and families by linking them to essential educational services and support networks. 211 specialists trained in the McKinney-Vento program can connect families directly to the Homeless Liaison in their child’s school district, who helps ensure that unhoused students have equal access to education.
The McKinney-Vento program guarantees support such as transportation, school supplies, access to extracurricular activities, and academic assistance, removing barriers to education and stability for unhoused students. By working with ALSDE and school district liaisons, 211 provides a direct line to these critical services, fostering continuity in education and a stable support network for vulnerable students.
211 CMS Program: Enroll Alabama – Accessing Healthcare Coverage
In partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 211 provides guidance on Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace health plans, helping Alabamians make informed choices about healthcare coverage. Trained specialists can explain eligibility requirements, assist with applications, and connect callers with the resources they need to secure affordable and comprehensive health coverage.
Get Help from a Certified Healthcare Navigator at 211
By calling 211, you can be connected to a certified Healthcare Navigator who offers in-depth, personalized assistance with Marketplace health plans. Navigators guide individuals through plan comparisons, help determine eligibility for tax credits and subsidies, and provide support with enrollment for Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace plans. Whether you prefer to enroll over the phone, online, by paper application, or in person, a Navigator ensures that you understand your options and make the best choice for your healthcare needs.
Navigators can also help explain the three main plan categories offered in the Marketplace (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and what each level means in terms of monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses. This assistance is especially valuable for those new to health coverage or facing complex health needs.
Emergency Management and Disaster Response
211’s Role in Disaster Response and Recovery
211 plays a crucial role in disaster response, working directly with state and local leaders. During natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, 211 operates as a central point for information on shelter, evacuation routes, emergency food supplies, and more. With real-time updates and a direct connection to local emergency management, 211 provides accurate, timely information to help affected residents stay safe and connected.
Emergency Management
211 is a critical partner in Alabama’s emergency management system, working closely with state and local leaders to provide essential information and resources before, during, and after disasters. As an easy-to-remember helpline, 211 helps residents access the latest disaster-related updates, safety guidelines, and recovery support.
Alleviating 911 Overload
During emergencies, 211 plays an important role in reducing 911 overload by handling non-emergency calls. This support becomes critical when the volume of non-emergency inquiries can surge by 15-20% or more during disasters. By directing non-urgent calls to 211, emergency responders can focus on life-saving services.
