211 is a national network of community resource agencies. You can call them at 211 or visit them online to get connected with assistance and resources for needs such as housing, healthcare, and food assistance.
You can utilize 211 to learn more about problems in your community by taking the following steps:
1. Go to - https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211.
2. Enter your zip code in the search bar then select search.
3. Information about the zip code will appear below. Select the Search for resources link. Note that it's possible that you may be directed to a non-211 website, but you should be able to find similar information.
4. A new webpage will open. Browse the types of resources to identify common issues in your community. For example, if resources associated with food include food pantries and soup kitchens, you could identify hunger or food insecurity as potential issues in your area.
While your local 211 website will have links to websites with useful resources and information on your issue, you can also try searching the open web for your issue. Using a Google search, add domain commands such as site:.gov or site:.org to limit your results to government and organizational websites. For example, if you wanted to know about food insecurity in the city of Boise, Idaho you could try the following search.
If you are unsure if a source is appropriate please review the What is CRAAPO? A guide to evaluating web resources infographic.
If you still have questions you can chat in real-time with a librarian here.