2-1-1 

United Way of Central Maryland’s First Call For Help™ serves as the 2-1-1 center in central Maryland.

This confidential informational and referral service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 150 languages. Call specialists assess callers’ needs and get them to the right health and human service solutions using a comprehensive database of more than 4,000 federal, state and local services - both government and nonprofit.

 Last year, 2-1-1 Maryland at First Call for Help received 160,915 calls.  The top five needs centered on financial assistance for utility billing, emergency food and housing, financial assistance to prevent eviction and tax assistance.

 Call specialist also noticed an increase in calls for foreclosure prevention and financial assistance with prescriptions.

 2-1-1 cuts through the confusion of Maryland’s more than 500 toll-free and local numbers, providing information and referral on services such as basic needs, physical and mental health, employment support, people with disabilities, children, youth, families and the elderly.