How to Get Help With Essential Needs in Maryland
211 Maryland is the state's most comprehensive health and human services Information and Referral System.
211 has many ways to get help, depending on what works best for your situation. We have your back when needed most, including the federal shutdown.
Learn about the ways to get help and get connected to information and resources.
Maryland Responds to Shutdown
Impacted by the shutdown? 211 is a one-stop resource for Marylanders looking for food and other essential needs.
Get connected to community resources and support on our Maryland Responds page.
How Can 211 Help Me?
211 is a way to get connected to essential needs, such as:
- housing
- food
- utility shutoff
- mental health
- children and families
- legal questions and help
- employment
Individuals and families can search for help or dial 211 to speak to a caring and compassionate person.
The Maryland Information Network powers 211, and is the state-authorized administrator of the 211 system. We work with many state and local organizations to connect Marylanders to health and human services.
Have another question? Read our frequently asked questions.
Does It Cost Anything to Use 211?
No. The service is free and confidential.
If you dial one of our local numbers from outside the area, your telephone provider’s long-distance rates may apply. If you call from a cell phone, air time and other cell phone charges may apply.
Community Resource Database
The Community Resource Database has 8,500+ health and human services. From state agencies to local community groups, this is state's most comprehensive resource providing access to help for essential needs.
The Resource Database is the heartbeat of 211, connecting 1M+ people a year online and by phone. Here's how to access this information.
Search it directly in English or Spanish.
The information in the database is also available other ways. Keep reading to learn more about other ways to find information and resources with 211.
How to Find 211 Help
There are 3 main ways to navigate the 211 website, and they're always available in the menu at the top under "Get Help."
I need to find local resources that can help.
Search our Community Resource database, the state's most comprehensive for health and human services. This will connect you directly to organizations that can help. Choose a category like food pantries, and you'll get a list and map of local help.
With over 8,500 community resources, find what you need nearby. Enter a ZIP code and use the filters to narrow options.
I want to see the top community resources in my county.
Every county in the state has unique resources and needs. 211's county pages make it easy to find top resources in a geographic area, with a focus on food pantries, utility assistance, and mental health.
I need information and resources.
Start with our resource categories, like food or health care, and learn about available assistance programs and available benefits, as well as common community resources.
Get the information you need, then link directly to our Community Resource Database for that need using our common resource searches.
Translation
The website can be translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, Haitian Creole, Yoruba, French, and more. Click on English in the upper right-hand corner and choose your language from the dropdown menu.
I want to talk to someone.
Dial 211, and a caring and compassionate person will talk with you and help you navigate and connect with help. 211 is also accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing through Maryland Relay (dial 7-1-1).
Other Ways 211 Can Help
211 also partners with state agencies and community groups to provide texting programs that provide information and inspiration through text messages.
Text connections
You can also sign up for one of our texting programs, which connects you to information, resources and support for a public health or weather threat/emergency, kinship, Mid Shore resources, mental health, opioids and more.
Benefit Screening in Maryland
Maryland Benefits is a one-stop location to check eligibility and to apply for multiple benefits like food benefits, housing and energy assistance, health and disability services, unemployment, and more.
With basic information like the number of people in your household, their incomes, and your household costs, you can quickly check your eligibility.
Older adults and disability benefit screening
If you are an older adult or have disabilities, you can use BenefitsCheckUp® from The National Council on Aging. It helps you find programs for which you may be eligible.
You'll answer questions anonymously to find out if you qualify for common benefits programs. These may include social services for food or Medicare. You can also find patient assistance programs for medication.
Find out what programs and services you may be eligible to receive through BenefitsCheckUp.
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings.
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs.
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
Get Help from 211 In Other States
2-1-1 is available in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and much of Canada. Our neighbors:
