211 Maine Has the 411 on Everything from Rehab to Tax Prep Help
If you don't know where to look for goods and services, call 211 Maine and they can point you in the right direction.
What is 211 Maine?
211 is like your Mom. When you need something, like a food pantry or tax prep services, and you don't know where to look, who do you call? Mom. She knows everything, and if she doesn't know it, she knows how to look it up, right? Well now, so do you. Just call 211. You can still call Mom, but ask her about her day instead of straining her brain with random questions.
There's a huge network of information and services in Maine, but it's hard to navigate the correct pathways on your own. For instance, say you're interested in learning about any programs in your community that could help you afford home improvements to increase your heat efficiency. How do you look that up online? Who do you call to get more information? 211 can tell you whether there's anything like that in your area and how to connect to it.
Who Operates 211?
The 211 service is a coalition of several agencies, including the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the United Ways of Maine, and the Opportunity Alliance as the Contact Center Partner. It has a huge database that can pinpoint the information you're seeking.
Will They Ask for My Personal Information?
Finally, there's no need to feel embarrassed about calling for help. 211 Maine became an invaluable tool during the pandemic for people who had never before needed things like food pantries but found themselves suddenly unemployed. When they didn't know where to find the help they required, folks called 211. The operators are friendly and helpful, and will simply ask for your zip code, so they can search for information in your specific area. No question is too dumb. Just call 211 and ask.