COMMON QUESTIONS
Who Can Use 2-1-1?
Anyone. If you’re looking for assistance with a problem and you don’t know where to turn, or you simply want information on a particular human service issue, 2-1-1 is for you. The Aiken County Help Line 2-1-1 serves everyone in South Carolina and is currently the only 2-1-1 call center in SC. Are you located in a different state? Don’t worry, and you can find your local 2-1-1 here.
When Can I Call?
2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is There a Charge to Use 2-1-1?
No, 2-1-1 is FREE to all callers and chatters.
Who Answers 2-1-1 Calls?
Trained, certified CRS (Community Resource Specialists with AIRS) Call Specialists answer 2-1-1 calls. The Aiken County Help Line successfully applied and passed the accreditation process and was awarded AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems) Accreditation in January of 2011 and Re-accreditations in 2015 and 2022.
How Does 2-1-1 Work?
If you are in South Carolina, just dial 2-1-1 on your home phone, office phone, or mobile phone any time of day. If you are outside of South Carolina and need referrals for someone in SC, you can reach the call center directly by dialing toll-free 1-877-648-9900. You may also chat us here on our website. A trained Call Specialist will listen to your needs then share names and phone numbers of agencies that may be able to help (so please have paper and pencil/pen ready to take down those referrals!)
What if I Have Problems Dialing 2-1-1?
If you can’t reach 2-1-1, you may live outside South Carolina or are calling from a phone number originating outside of SC. Sometimes there may be issues if you live on the state borders, as it may try to route you to your state’s 2-1-1 based on your phone location codes. You can still reach us by dialing toll free 1-877-648-9900.
Are My Calls Confidential?
Yes. We ask for demographic information (ZIP code, city, county, age) to find services near you and for statistics. We do not share your personal information with others.
Why Doesn’t 2-1-1 Refer to United Way?
The United Way is a fundraising group that raises money for their partner agencies, aka the agencies we refer to. United Way does not offer direct financial assistance to individuals.
2-1-1 acts as the United Way’s answering service so they can better focus on their job, raising funds to support the agencies that support the public. If you were to call any United Way in SC, the phone prompts would direct you back to 2-1-1.
The Agency I Just Called Said You Could Help; Can You?
Unfortunately, most agencies do not understand what 2-1-1 is. 2-1-1 is an information and referral line for community resources. We bridge the gap between the person needing help and the agency that offers that type of assistance you need. 2-1-1 does not offer direct financial assistance and cannot guarantee whether an agency we refer to is able to help you. 2-1-1 is not a cure-all magic bullet, it’s a free resource that tries to help you connect to services faster.