Program

211 (free helpline for local help)

Dial 211 to be connected with local help for housing, food and repairs, any hour of the day.

Official name

211 (United Way Worldwide network) — Free Referral Line, Not a Grant

Where

Nationwide

Status

Program running

About the amount

211 is free and pays nothing itself; it refers callers to local programs that range from free volunteer repairs to deferred loans with liens.

Housing rules

Not applicable to 211 itself; renters can ask about rental-repair or accessibility programs, though most repair grants it refers to are owner-only.

How long it takes

Immediate referral; the referred program's own timeline varies.

How to apply

Dial 211, text, or use web chat at 211.org (enter your ZIP); staffed 24/7, confidential, can be anonymous.

Does not pay for

211 itself gives referrals, not money — it made 'more than 19 million connections' in 2025, with housing the #1 need category (6M referrals, 30%).

Official source

211.org

Last checked

September 28, 2026