Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 11 (2/11) is National 211 Day. This annual observance celebrates the go-to, three-digit (2-1-1), 24/7 resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada. It connects them with locally available information, resources, and services.
Alaska 211 is operated statewide by United Way of Anchorage. It maintains the most comprehensive health and human services resource database in the state. More than 1,000 active agencies and 8,000 resources and services are available for referral.
In 2024, 36,814 referrals were given to Alaskans seeking help for immediate or long-term challenges. The top caller requests across the state were for basic needs such as housing and utilities, income support and assistance, food assistance, and health care. Callers also sought assistance with after-school programs, care for aging parents, job training, health insurance, free tax preparation, literacy classes, and more.
“211 is an unmatched critical service providing easy, fast connections to available resources to those who need help for a range of needs,” said Sue Brogan, Chief Operating Officer. “During 211 Day, we offer heartfelt praise to our highly skilled community resource specialists who answer the calls for help, our partners across the state, our funders, and our supporters. Together, we help ensure this vital lifeline is there when Alaskans need us.”
On National 211 Day, we encourage Alaskans to join the celebration:
- Call 2-1-1 or (800) 478-2221 if you or someone you know needs help.
- Email Alaska211@ak.org and a community resource specialist will respond.
- Visit Alaska211.org to search for resources 24/7.
- Share Alaska 211 widely with your neighbors, family, and friends to connect others to help and supports.
- Advocate for Alaska 211 with your local policymakers to strengthen this critical service.
Alaska 211 community resource specialists are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It’s free and confidential with language interpretation services available.
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