Mass211 was created in 2006 when seven First Call for Help programs serving Massachusetts for the previous decade were consolidated into a single, centralized health and human service information and referral line. As we look to the future, we can’t help but look back at the past. The last year, in particular, has been an exceptional one.
In March 2020, Mass211 was activated through our partnership with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to respond as the COVID-19 hotline for the Commonwealth. Mass211 ramped up service overnight to answer hundreds of phone calls that were coming in each day and continue now.
You can reach Mass211 by dialing three easy digits: 2-1-1. You’ll reach an Information & Referral Specialist who can help people across Massachusetts connect with local health and human service programs that help them meet their basic needs: housing, food, child care, benefits programs, and more. The highly trained team knows what questions to ask to help identify programs you might not ever have heard of that can make all the difference.
Mass211 responded to 285,514 calls in 2020. Top reasons for calls included:
1. Healthcare, primarily related to COVID-19
2. Mental Health & Addictions, including suicide prevention and crisis intervention
3. Housing & Shelter, including rent assistance, low-cost housing, and shelters
4. Food, including food pantries and meal programs
5. Utility payment assistance, especially for heating and electricity
Mass211 continues to be here during the pandemic and beyond to help Massachusetts residents find programs that can offer help and support during difficult times. Mass211 is free, available 24/7, and offers translation through language relay in 150+ languages.
Get Connected to Mass211
Phone (in MA): 2-1-1 Phone (outside MA): 800-211-6277
Online: www.mass211.org
App: HelpSteps
Mass211 also provides the Call2Talk mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program. Call2Talk is free and confidential. Highly-trained volunteers provide non-judgmental support 24/7 to people in emotional distress or crisis. Call2Talk operates out of offices in Framingham and Springfield, MA. Call2Talk received accreditation from the International Council for Helplines in 2021. Call2Talk received 76,251 calls in 2020.
Get Connected to Call2Talk
Phone (in MA): 2-1-1 (follow prompts for Call2Talk) Phone (outside MA): 800-211-6277
Phone (Framingham): 508-532-2255 Phone (Springfield): 413-505-5111
Phone: 800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Call2Talk is an NSPL call center in MA)
Text C2T to 741-741 for our Crisis Text Line