What is Mass211?
Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services, an after school program, a food bank, or where to secure care for an aging parent. Many face these challenges, but don't always know where to turn for help. The Solution is to Dial 2-1-1.
Mass 211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Always a confidential call, Mass 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Mass 211 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.
Mass 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277)
Mission
Mass211’s mission is to connect individuals and families across Massachusetts with the information, resources, and support they need through a free, confidential, and easy-to-access statewide service. By providing 24/7 information and referral services, Mass211 helps people navigate health and human services, behavioral health resources, crisis supports, and community-based programs to improve access to care and strengthen community connections.
Our History
Mass211 was established in 2006 through the collaboration of United Way organizations across Massachusetts to create a single, statewide information and referral system connecting residents with essential health and human services. Building upon existing local information, Mass211 created a centralized, coordinated resource navigation system accessible through the simple three-digit dialing code, 2-1-1. The vision was to provide individuals and families with an easy-to-access, trusted resource to help navigate the increasingly complex network of health, human service, and community resources available throughout the Commonwealth.
From its earliest days, Mass211 was guided by the belief that no one should struggle to find the support they need. A significant part of this foundation was shaped by Paul Mina, Mass211’s founding Executive Director, whose vision, leadership, and commitment to service helped establish the organization’s mission and direction. We remain forever grateful for Paul’s guidance and dedication to creating a more accessible, coordinated, and compassionate system of support. The values he championed collaboration, responsiveness, and treating every person with dignity and respect, continue to guide Mass211’s work today.
In 2013, the United Way of Tri-County launched Call2Talk, a confidential emotional support, suicide prevention, and behavioral health crisis service created in response to the growing need for accessible mental health support. Call2Talk provided individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, and suicidal thoughts with immediate access to trained crisis counselors and compassionate care.
In 2017, Call2Talk formally integrated with Mass211, creating a stronger connection between resource navigation and behavioral health crisis response. This integration expanded Mass211’s ability to support individuals by providing both access to essential community resources and immediate emotional support during times of crisis. Call2Talk also expanded its services to include postvention supports, including LOSSteam MetroWest and the Move4Ward Support Group Program, providing compassionate outreach, connection, and resources for individuals and families impacted by suicide loss or crisis. Additional support services focused on reducing isolation, promoting healing, and strengthening resilience among vulnerable populations, including older adults, have remained an important part of Call2Talk’s mission.
In 2020, Mass211 continued to demonstrate its ability to respond to evolving community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a critical information and referral resource for residents seeking assistance and guidance. During this unprecedented period, Mass211 responded to more than one million calls, helping individuals and families connect with essential resources and supports.
In 2022, Mass211 and Call2Talk reached another significant milestone with the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As part of the national 988 network, Call2Talk expanded its role in Massachusetts’ behavioral health crisis system by providing 24/7 crisis intervention, suicide prevention services, and connections to appropriate levels of care.
Today, Mass211 serves as a vital statewide resource navigation hub, combining comprehensive information and referral services with specialized behavioral health crisis support through Call2Talk. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, public safety agencies, state systems, and community-based programs, Mass211 continues to ensure that individuals and families across Massachusetts have access to compassionate support, meaningful resources, and a clear pathway to care when they need it most. The legacy of vision and service established by Paul Mina continues to inspire Mass211’s ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and meaningful community impact.