Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you need additional information, please contact us at Alaska211@ak.org.
Alaska 211 – with its easy to remember three-digit number – is an information and referral service that connects people to vital community, health, and social services provided by a range of nonprofit, government and tribal agencies.
You can call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 and speak with a trained and caring specialist who will connect you with the community resources that best fit your needs. Call center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday–closed for lunch from Noon – 1 p.m. After hours you may leave a voice message. You can also email us Alaska211@ak.org or search our database of services anytime.
The entire state of Alaska.
Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations that provide health or human services are able to join the database, along with government entities, civic associations and advocacy groups. Download the Alaska 211 Inclusion/Exclusion Policy.
Inclusion in the Alaska 211 database is free. Agencies and organizations must meet the Alaska 211 Inclusion/Exclusion Policy and complete the required form found on Service Provider Tools page in order to be included in the database. Email us for more information.
Yes, the online database is the same database used by our call specialists. Certain issues can be hard to navigate online. Sometimes a conversation with a call specialist is more helpful than an online search.
Yes. Alaska 211 uses an interpreter service that allows us to communicate with callers in more than 170 different languages.
Everyone benefits when a single call can replace the wasted time, confusion and frustration of multiple calls and visits before needed help is secured. Everyone benefits when a single statewide database, accessible online by all, saves other organizations from having to maintain referral lists. Everyone benefits when 211 data tracking can serve as a social barometer enabling service providers, funders, government, and community partners to assess needs, improve services delivery systems, and spot emerging trends.
Alaska 211 began taking calls in August, 2007. As of 2023, Alaska 211 has answered the call for help from 428,676 Alaskans and given 546,800 referrals.
Alaska 211 is a private-public partnership operated by United Way of Anchorage.
Alaska 211 receives funding from a variety of sources, both public and private, as well as generous donors like you. Our current funding partners include the State of Alaska, Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
Contact Us:
Phone: 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221
Email: Alaska211@ak.org
Mailing address:
Alaska 211
United Way of Anchorage
PO Box 200108
Anchorage, AK 99520
Media Inquiries:
Contact Sue Brogan
sbrogan@ak.org
907-263-3821