1. Are calls to 2-1-1 Free?

All calls to 2-1-1 Broward made from within Broward County are toll-free.  Calls made from cell phones will occur usage charges depending on whatever plan the caller has.

2. Can I dial 2-1-1 from my cell phone?

Yes, if you use: Nextel/Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, Cingular or
AT&T. For all cell phone carriers, you may always dial (954) 537-0211 to
reach 2-1-1 Broward.

3. What if I don't speak English? ¿Que pasa si no hablo ingles? E si mwen pa pale anglè?

We have bilingual counselors and access to the Language Line interpreter services.

Tenemos consejeros bilingues y tenemos acceso al servicio del interprete.

Nou gen reprezantan ki pale kreyol epi nou gen yon line sevis intepretasyon

4. Do I have to give any of my personal information?

You are never required to provide personal information.  All calls are anonymous and confidential.  At times the Helpline Counselor may ask if you are willing to provide your name and phone number to allow us to better assist you, but it is always voluntary.

5. Will I get to speak to a real person?

2-1-1 Helpline Counselors are available.  You will always be able to speak with a real person.

6. Can I call 2-1-1 whenever I need to

Yes, 2-1-1 Helpline Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

7. Does 2-1-1 Broward Respond to situations involving suicide?

If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide, please call the Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or 954-537-0211. A counselor will be there to speak with you at any time of the day or night, 24 hours a day. 

Yes, 2-1-1 Broward provides two programs designed specifically to serve the senior population of Broward:

Touchline - Touchline provides a daily reassurance call to seniors over 60 who live alone. It provides a daily check on their well-being as well as a friendly voice to let them know they are not alone.

Senior Helpline - The Senior Helpline is available 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention and information & referral services for those over age 60.

9. May I call 2-1-1 if all I need is someone to talk with?

Yes, 2-1-1 Broward receives three basic types of calls. These are: Information and Referral, Empathetic Listening and Crisis Intervention (suicide, homicide and abuse) calls. Many of our callers call just to talk things out with someone who will listen and care. 2-1-1 Helpline counselors are trained to listen empathetically and to respond with genuine concern, respect and warmth.

10. What makes 2-1-1 different from 911 or 311?

2-1-1 Broward provides crisis intervention and information and referrals to health and human services in Broward County.  Calls of an emergency nature requiring the assistance of Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services should be made only to 911.  311 becomes Broward County’s Hurricane Hotline whenever needed.

11. Can I reach 2-1-1 Broward if I am calling from outside the area

From outside Broward County, you may contact 2-1-1 Broward from anywhere in the United States by dialing 1-954-537-0211

12. I dial 2-1-1 but cannot reach 2-1-1 Broward

The problem may be that your cell phone or landline provider has not released access to 2-1-1. Please check with your telephone provider and alert 2-1-1 Broward so that we can follow-up. In the meantime please dial 954-537-0211.

13. Do you provide counseling?

All 2-1-1 Helpline Counselors are trained to provide empathetic listening and support.  Callers seeking professional counseling in any area are provided referrals to counseling services.

14. Do you make follow-up calls to see if I was able to get help?

Yes, callers who choose to provide their contact information (name and telephone number) will receive a follow-up call, if they so desire.

15. Does 2-1-1 Broward meet professional standards?

2-1-1 Broward is nationally accredited by the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), certified as a State of Florida 2-1-1 Provider by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and certified by Broward County. 2-1-1 Broward is licensed for Substance Abuse Prevention by the Florida Department of Children and Families and is a member of the American Association of Suicidology.

16. Are there specialty Helplines in addition to 2-1-1?

Yes, 2-1-1 Broward provides a Health Hotline, TeenHotline, Senior Helpline, PhoneFriend, Behavioral Health INFOline, Special Needs Helpline (beginning September 1, 2006). 2-1-1 Broward also provides TeenTapes, an automated tape system with a menu of 79 topics for teens. Click here for more information.

17. How can I make a donation to 2-1-1 Broward?

For information and our donor form, please click here. Checks or money orders should be made payable to 2-1-1 Broward and returned by mail to 2-1-1 Broward at 3217 NW 10 Terrace, #307, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

18. Do you use volunteers on your Helpline?

Yes, volunteers are eagerly sought for both Helpline coverage as well as other administrative assistance. Please click here for information and to download a volunteer application. 

19. How much training do your Helpline counselors receive?

Pre-service training consists of a 50-hour program. In-service training continues regularly.

20. How can I purchase a copy of your resource guides?

All 2-1-1 directories (Pathfinder, Quick Guide and pcPathfinder) may be ordered by downloading our order form and returning it to 2-1-1 Broward.  Click here for more information on 2-1-1 Broward Products and a downloadable order form.

21. How is 2-1-1 supported?

2-1-1 Broward is funded by the Children’s Services Council of Broward, the United Way of Broward, Florida Department of Children and Families, the Board of Broward County Commissioners,  The Coordinating Council of Broward, the Community Foundation of Broward, Broward municipalities, and private and corporate grants and contributions.