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Information & Referral

Connecting Hoosiers with needs to those who provide human services

 2-1-1 is a three-digit phone number anyone can call to get information about health and human services. From any landline or cell phone, at home, from a business, or on the road in Tipton County, call 2-1-1 if you need information on housing, employment, legal aid, counseling and much more. (At some businesses, you may have to dial an 8 or 9 to get an outside line first. And cell phones that are not based in Tipton or Howard Counties may reach the Indianapolis call center; just tell them you need information for Tipton County and they can connect you!) The Tipton County Foundation has contracted with the United Way of Howard County in Kokomo for them to include Tipton County among the other counties in the area for which they maintain up-to-date service information through 2-1-1.

Why 2-1-1?

• 2-1-1 is easy to use.

• Disaster relief is more effective, reducing non-emergency calls to 911. 2-1-1 connects victims, donors and volunteers with service providers.

• 2-1-1 is good for business, helping employees with family situations.

• Better use of volunteers, local and faith-based services.

• Track service gaps, duplication and trends

How does 2-1-1 work?

For the caller, it is as simple as picking up the phone and dialing 2-1-1. Trained and caring information & referral specialists answer the 2-1-1 calls, talk about the caller’s needs, and offer referrals to human service programs.  

What is a typical call to 2-1-1?

The 2-1-1 Center responds to all kinds of human service needs, but obviously NOT for emergencies that require 9-1-1 assistance! The most frequent calls are for information about food, housing, and financial help with rent or utilities. Callers may also learn where to donate goods, find counseling or support groups; seek employment assistance, legal aid or parenting classes, among other needs. (The Center does not have the actual resources and services callers may need; they provide information about where to go.) 

Will I be charged for 2-1-1?

While most landline calls are free, normal usage costs per minute apply to cell phone calls. The information and referral service is provided by the United Way of Howard County. The Tipton County Foundation has contracted with the United Way in Kokomo for them to include Tipton County among the other counties in the area for which they maintain up-to-date service information through 2-1-1. Contributions to the United Community Fund at the Tipton County Foundation will help us maintain this support in future years.

Last modified: Tuesday, June 15, 2010