Get Connected. Get Help. 

2-1-1 Information & Referral Hotline

Northwest Alabama 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to vital health and human services, whether you need help or want to offer it. By providing expert information and referrals, Northwest Alabama 211 helps individuals navigate challenges and access support from a network of over 800+ community organizations and initiatives throughout the Northwest Alabama area. 

Need Help?  

  • DIAL 211 to speak to a representative (or 888-421-1266).
  • TEXT your zip code to 898-211
  • SEARCH the online database to access more than 10,000 different statewide programs and services
  • CHAT Now

2025 211 Annual Report

Each year, 211 compiles and analyzes call data to better understand the needs of the communities. This aggregated information helps agencies, partners, and community leaders identify emerging trends, strengthen funding proposals, and align services across our region. 

We are pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report, along with county specific data snapshots for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion, Winston, and Lawrence counties. 

 


Bringing Resources to Northwest Alabama

Through 2-1-1 partnerships, we bring additional resources to our community. Current partnerships include:

A-RESET:

  • A-RESET stands for Alabama Resources for Enrichment, Self-Sufficiency, and Employability Training. It is the name of Alabama’s Employment and Training Program, which provides job preparation services to SNAP (Food Stamp) recipients who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). 

Following a meeting with a case manager, individuals who qualify can participate in career center programs, including some that may help with SNAP eligibility. Many of those programs are available under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

Services Include…

  • Resume Preparation
  • Career Pathways
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
  • Specialized Training and College Tuition Workforce Assistance
  • Computer Training Tutorials
  • On-the-Job Training
  • GED Preparation and Testing
  • Job Readiness Skills
  • Ready-to-Work Skills
  • Job Referrals
  • Interview Skills
  • Copier/Fax/Phone Access

AARP – Caregiver Support Program 

Every day, about 48 million U.S. adults are assisting their older relatives, spouses, friends, or neighbors with daily tasks like medication management, light housework, and transportation to medical appointments. It can be hard to find local resources, and even harder for the caregiver to take care of themselves. 

So far, the Caregiver Support Program we support with AARP has connected 1.3 million family caregivers to the services and support they need. More than 235,000 caregivers have gotten that help through 211, a 24/7 helpline (supported by United Way) that connects people with resources in their community.  

The program takes a holistic approach, addressing caregiving-related concerns and challenges many caregivers face, such as housing, utilities, food assistance, and mental health. While these issues may not prompt their call, they're often part of the demands of caregiving. 

Through personalized, one-on-one conversations with a trained 211 Community Resource Specialist, caregivers get tailored AARP resources that cover a wide range of topics, along with direct connections to local services. 

Want to be added to our Database, or would you like more information? 

If you would like your agency or organization to be included in our database, please click the "Become a Partner" button below to fill out an online form. You may wish to download and read our Inclusion/Exclusion policy. 


211 Counts

Every year, more than 16 million people across the United States turn to 2-1-1 for help with essential needs such as food, housing, utilities, healthcare, and emergency assistance.

2-1-1 Counts is a powerful, real-time data tool that transforms local 2-1-1 call information into searchable, visual insights. It highlights community needs by ZIP code, region, or call center—often with data available as recently as yesterday.

With 2-1-1 Counts, community leaders, agencies, and partners can identify trends, compare needs across areas, and make informed decisions that strengthen support systems for those who need help most. By sharing data from our local 2-1-1, we can better understand the challenges facing Northwest Alabama and work together toward meaningful solutions.