Right now, somebody’s just lost their job, according to Candy Strickland, and is currently looking for help.

They might want food, or clothes, or a way to make the little money they have stretch a little further, Strickland said.

All they’ve got to do is dial 2-1-1.

Deceptively simple, 211, like 911, will get help to people who need it. Granted, an ambulance won’t swoop down and transport the needy party to a food pantry or a homeless shelter, but it will get people help as quickly as possible.

211 is the number for the South Central Alabama Volunteer and Information Center.

Strickland, the project’s Call Center Manager, said she’s proud of the service and what it can do.

“We’re the only 211 call center in the state of Alabama,” she said, “which made Alabama the fourth state to have a call center.”

The 211 service, Strickland said, is a nationwide initiative to provide information for needy families and individuals, as well as provide a network for non-profits to use.

“They (non-profits) wanted a number just like 911 and 411, so the FCC declared that 211 would be the number to get information on a social service agency,” Strickland said.

The number provides information to a variety of agencies, she said, including United Way agencies and government agencies, like DHR and the Social Security Office.

“We cover six counties,” Strickland said, including Dallas. “Anyone from a landline phone can dial 211 and get our center and it’s a free call.”

Right now, the center in Montgomery has six operators, three full-time and three part-time, Strickland said.

Before funding cuts on the state level, the center operated all day, everyday.

“We want to be able to go 24/7 with additional funding,” Strickland said.

The center covers Perry, Dallas, Autauga, Lowndes, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon and Lee Counties.

Strickland said it won’t be long before the service goes statewide.

“That’s getting ready to happen within the next couple of months,” she said.

While serving as an emergency number for the needy, Strickland said the service puts volunteers in touch with agencies that need them.

She also said the group keeps detailed record on what services are most requested in a zip code along with publishing annual directories and reports on their services.

“This information is invaluable to city planners,” Strickland said.

Each call is confidential, Strickland said, although operators will ask for the birthday and zip code.

The 211 service has more than 1000 agencies listed, but Strickland said she could always use more.

To get your agency listed, to volunteer or to request help, call 211 or go online to www.volunteer-info.org or www.211.org.