United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island

Connect people with services they need

United Way of Rhode Island is a leader in identifying and addressing critical issues that affect our community. We help develop programs and initiatives that are making an impact in people's lives—today and for the long term. We've made a lot of progress. However, there is still more work to do. This is why we need you. Together, we can ensure that every Rhode Islander has the building blocks of a good life: EDUCATION, INCOME & HOUSING.

Did You Know?

• There are thousands of social service providers in Rhode Island. Therefore, finding social service help is a daunting task, as the services you need may not be available through any one, single provider.
• As social service providers may be listed under several different categories in the yellow pages, the service you are looking for may be difficult to locate in the phone book or on the internet.
• Applying for the help you need, may require you to visit several state departments and fill out multiple forms.

Investing in Our Community

Rhode Islanders needing assistance can get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week thanks to United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island. That’s right, one call can connect you to essential community services—everything from finding an after-school program to locating a food bank or accessing a job training program. And 2-1-1 help is available in 175 languages and dialects.

You can speak confidentially with an Information and Referral professional who will assess your needs and then provide you with information regarding which social service provider is most appropriate to handle your issue.

Dial 2-1-1 for information regarding:

• basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter
• health care
• child care
• counseling
• crisis intervention
• senior services/elder care
• disability services
• job training
• transportation assistance
• veterans services
• and much more...

United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island has also been designated the emergency information and referral number by the State of Rhode Island in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

United Way 2-1-1 In Rhode Island is funded by United Way of Rhode Island, Hasbro Children’s Fund and the State of Rhode Island. It is administered by Family Service of Rhode Island.

Impacting Our Community

• Since its launch in June 2007, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island has handled more than 385,000 calls from Rhode Islanders seeking information about food, shelter, housing, and family-related issues.
• As a result of the March 2010 flood crisis:
  • United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island handled 33,000 calls in 30 days.
  • Staff and volunteers called back more than 15,000 people to check on their status and to see if more help was needed.
  • United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island is also helping with ongoing efforts to assist flood victims, including working with disaster relief volunteers and long-term recovery efforts.