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Chat or Text with 211

Live chat and texting services are available Monday to Friday from 7am-9pm ET. You can also call our 211 telephone service anytime.

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During your chat session, you may be asked to provide us with some information such as postal code, age, and email address. If you choose to share personal information with us, it will be used for internal purposes, allowing us to better serve you. An exception to this is if we are seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s — in this case, we will try to send help.

211 strives to ensure confidentiality in its communications. Nevertheless the Internet should not be considered a secure medium and privacy cannot be guaranteed. Also be aware that computers may have software installed that tracks what you type or the web pages you visit. Please use our 211 telephone service if you have concerns about this.

A transcript of your chat is recorded and stored for quality assurance and training purposes. You can download the transcript at the end of the chat.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who answers the live chat and texting services?
The same helpful, trained information and referral specialists who provide our 211 telephone answer your text and live chat messages.

Is the texting service free?
Our service is free, but you may be charged for text messages you send by your cell phone provider.

Is the live chat service free?
Our service is free. If you use live chat from a cell phone or other mobile device without connecting to free wifi, the service will use some data on your plan.

Can I use the live chat service from a smartphone?
Live chat works best on a computer. If you have a smartphone, please text us at 211 or chat (Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm ET) or call us at 211 anytime.

In what languages are the live chat and texting services available?
The services are available in English and French. For 211 service in other languages, please call our telephone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 211.

Is the service confidential?
Our service is confidential. The only exception to this is if we are seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s – in this case, we will try to send help.

If you use the texting service, please keep in mind that a copy of your texting conversation with us is stored on your cell phone. You may wish to delete the conversation from your cell phone or use our 211 telephone service if you have concerns about this. Our 211 number will show up on your cell phone bill. If you use live chat, please keep in mind that computers may have software programs installed on them that track what you type or the sites you visit. You may wish to use our 211 telephone service if you have concerns about this.