FAQS
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Who can call 211 Cortland?
Anyone can reach our Information and Referral service by dialing 2-1-1on all Cortland County land lines and Time Warner Cable phones. Most cell phone companies now provide 2-1-1 connectivity in Cortland County. Vonage Phone users must subscribe to Vonage's 9-1-1 service to enable 2-1-1dialing (get instructions here).
Is there a charge for dialing 211?
There is no charge for dialing 2-1-1 from your land line phone. When calling 2-1-1 from a pay phone, there is a charge for a local call. Mobile phones deplete airtime minutes while connected to 2-1-1.
How is 211 different from 911 and 411?
211 is for non-emergency calls related to health and social services.
411 is for directory assistance.
911 is for fire, police, or medical response emergency calls.
What can I expect when I call?
Dialing 2-1-1 connects callers with a trained Information Specialist who will find out what the caller needs and then search for services that may help. Information Specialists try to give at least 2-3 resources (names of agencies and phone numbers) for each need.
Information Specialists ask callers for city or town of residence and, in some cases, age. This information ensures that callers are eligible for the programs nearest to them. To ensure confidentiality, we do not request caller's names (unless we are given permission to follow-up with, or advocate for the caller). Information Specialists will give important information on how to access appropriate services. Callers will want to write down that information, so it is a good idea to have a pen and paper ready.
What if dialing 2-1-1 doesn’t work?
If you are having problems reaching us by dialing 2-1-1, call (877) 211-8667. Please tell the Information Specialist who answers your call that you tried dialing 2-1-1 unsuccessfully. The Specialist will ask you for your area code and prefix (area code + the next 3 numbers of your phone number). This will help us work on the problem.
For many telephone systems in organizations (for instance, those who need to dial 9 to get an outside line) dialing 2-1-1 won't automatically work. In these cases, internal phone system changes should allow 2-1-1 dialing. Organizations have different mechanisms and rules in this regard.
Does inclusion of information on this website mean that the agency or service has been approved by 2-1-1 Cortland?
The listings in the database represent information supplied by agency representatives. Inclusion does not imply endorsement nor does exclusion imply disapproval. Every effort is made to supply complete and accurate information; however, 2-1-1 Cortland makes no representation with respect to the accuracy and completeness of the contents of the database and specifically disclaims any implied responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided, and shall in no event be held liable for any loss or damage.
Agencies may be absent from the database due to the inclusion/exclusion policy of 2-1-1 Cortland. 2-1-1 Cortland also reserves the right to prioritize and limit inclusion. Factors such as staffing, funding and agency participation affect the extent to which all eligible agencies can be included.
2-1-1 Cortland cannot endorse nor guarantee quality for the services and agencies contained on this web site.
How do I get my agency listed in the database?
If you would like your agency in our database, please contact us! A Resource Specialist will call to see if your agency meets our inclusion criteria. 2-1-1 Cortland will not generally include for-profit businesses, private practitioners, or retailers. Other restrictions may also apply.
I have another question!
We are happy to assist you. Give us a call at 2-1-1 or toll free at (877) 211-8667. You can also use our contact form.