211 is powered by real people – trained specialists who work to identify and address the root causes of a client's problem. That means from the first hello, someone in crisis is reaching a real person who can provide a connection to help.
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dial 2-1-1
Mass 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277).
A simple phone call to 211 can put you in touch with a range of resources not just in Berkshire County but throughout the state:
- EMERGENCY/DISASTER INFORMATION
- RENT ASSISTANCE
- FOOD PANTRIES
- AFFORDABLE HOUSING
- HEALTH RESOURCES
- CHILD CARE
- AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- ELDERLY CARE
- FINANCIAL LITERACY
- JOB TRAINING
Berkshire United Way, along with local United Ways across Massachusetts, support Mass 211, an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers across the Commonwealth to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources.
From January to December 2021, Mass211 fielded a total of 4,347 requests from Berkshire County residents.
Data source: https://211counts.org/home/index
Disaster • 8
- 5 Disaster food relief
- 1 Housing/Shelter
- 1 Contacts
- 1 Other disaster
Clothing & Houshold • 7
- 3 Appliances
- 3 Home furnishings
- 1 Clothing
Education • 4
- 2 Early childhood education
- 2 Other education providers
Call2Talk
Call 413-505-5111 or text C2T to 741741
Call2Talk, the mental health helpline of Mass211, is located at the United Way of Pioneer Valley offices in Springfield and can assist residents within the 413 area code. Highly trained volunteer call takers help callers move from a place of emotional crisis to a calmer state by providing non-judgmental listening, comfort, and encouragement. Call2Talk in Springfield can be reached at 413-505-5111.
Call2Talk also works in partnership with Crisis Text Line to provide support by text for those uncomfortable with speaking to a call taker. Text C2T to 741741.
February 11 is 211 Day!
The National 211 Day is a day to celebrate the more than 200 call centers across the United States and Canada, and especially the individuals behind the life-enhancing services of these 211 call centers.
Did you know:
- In 2021, call specialists at 211 made 27.8 million connections to critical resources for people.
- The average number of calls per day rose as high as 54,000.
- 32 states promoted 211 as the number to call for COVID-19 help and questions.
Mass211 celebrated 211 Day with a Facebook Live event on Friday, February 11, 2022. Link to event below.
Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined a host of officials to help highlight the critical work of Mass211 Information & Referral Specialists, who have answered more than 1 million pandemic-related calls.
Mass211 Inc. is a subsidiary organization of the United Ways in Massachusetts charged with providing the citizens of the Commonwealth with correct, timely and accurate information the first time they are called or searched. Mass211 was created and is staffed by the United Way. This 24/7/365 service is a resource to connect callers to information about critical health and human services programs.
We Support Mass 211
Learn more: contact Katherine von Haefen, Director of Community Impact, at 413-442-6948 x20 or kvonhaeven@berkshireunitedway.org.