About Us
Interface 211 Ventura County (211VC), a program of Interface Children & Family Services, is the most comprehensive information and referral service for local residents. Each year, 211VC responds to more than 25,000 Ventura County callers, providing local communities with information and resources related to shelter, health care, food, utilities, mental health, legal, consumer and public safety, disaster/emergency services, transportation, and more.
Available by phone, text, and web 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Interface 211VC delivers health and social service support to individuals in over 150 languages through phone interpretation services.
Launched on February 11, 2005, 211VC was the first live 211 in California and has become the largest 211 in the state, answering approximately 300,000 call a year across 38 counties statewide. In February 2017, Interface added texting to 211 “call or click” services, becoming one of few 211s nationwide to offer two-way texting available 24/7 in English and Spanish. 211VC also provides resources to over 3,000 unique visitors each month through the 211Ventura.org website.
During times of disaster, 211VC coordinates with local and national emergency services to provide incident-specific information, including road closures, food and medical assistance, and shelter. In July 2022, Interface 211VC launched 211Now.com, a website that provides real-time updates about information and resources available during emergencies and disasters. 211Now serves to centralize and verify resources from public officials and community organizations to support individuals and families during emergencies and disasters. Visit 211now.com to learn more. For information and resources, call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211ventura.org.
211 Ventura County provided Call & Text support for these 2021-2023 major events:
California Winter Blizzard and Storms
California Atmospheric River and subsequent floods and mudslides
Ferndale Earthquake
Half Moon Bay Shooting
Hurricane Ian
Mosquito Fire
Electra Fire
Highland Park Parade Shooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 211?
A: 211 is a FREE information and referral service that connects community members to critical health and human services in their community. 211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is offered in over 150 languages.
Q: How can I access 211?
A: BY PHONE: Dial 2-1-1 from a landline or cell phone or call our toll-free number (800-339-9597). BY TEXT: Text your zip code to 898-211. ONLINE: Search the 211 resource database online at www.211ventura.org (or by clicking “Home” on this page).
Q: What if I need to find services in another area?
A: When you call 211, tell the Call Specialist which area of service you need information about, and they will gladly provide the toll-free number for the corresponding 211. You can also look up toll-free numbers for 211s across the country at http://www.211.org.
Q: How does calling 211 work?
A: A: The 211 calling code has been designated by the Federal Communication Commission for community information and referral services, just as 911 is set aside for emergency services. When you call 211 from a landline or cell phone, your phone provider directs your call to your community’s local 211 provider.
Thank You to 211 Ventura County Supporters
Interface 211 Ventura County is supported by: County of Ventura, Southern California Edison, Ventura County Community Foundation, Pacific Gas & Electric, and the Cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, and Fillmore.
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