• Is 2-1-1 a federally funded and/or state funded program?

  No, 2-1-1’s are not federally funded programs.  Some states do provide funding to the 2-1-1s in their state, but Louisiana does not.  We are non-profit that must raise money each year to provide the 2-1-1 service.

• Can VIA LINK help me find a missing loved one, such as a friend or family member lost after Katrina?

  No. VIA LINK does not have resources to help search for missing loved ones. We can provide numbers to local government offices or any local non profits that may be able to assist

• I was trying to reach the Veteran's Affairs Office and got this center instead. Are you a part of the VA?

  No. VIA LINK is not directly affiliated with the VA. However, the VA does give out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK FREE to veterans in crisis, and VIA LINK does answer this line for Southeast Louisiana.             VIA LINK can provide referrals for veterans for community services. 

• Can VIA LINK look up my account information for food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, or other programs?

  No. VIA LINK is not affiliated directly with any of these programs and cannot answer questions regarding individuals' accounts. VIA LINK can provide the contact information for these offices where questions can be answered. 

• Can VIA LINK provide me with a referral for another agency, such as a shelter, residential program, housing assistance, etc.?

  No. VIA LINK does not provide reference letters for callers to outside agencies.

• Can a Specialist make a call for me to another agency such as another non-profit?

  No. Specialists cannot make calls to outside agencies for callers. 

• Can I call and leave the name and number of a friend or family member to have a Specialist call back?

  No. VIA LINK's policy is that we do not call out to third-parties without their express permission. 

• Can I call and tell a Specialist what services I am in need of and then receive a call back later with the resources that may help?

  No. If you are in need of services, you can either call and get that information from a Specialist directly or send us an email through our website. Specialists do not search for resources outside of a call. 

• If I have spoken to a certain Specialist in the past, can I call and request to speak with that same Specialist?

  No. VIA LINK’s policy is to not transfer callers. 

• Is 2-1-1 service only available in the Greater New Orleans area?

  No, 2-1-1 is a number designated by the FCC for Health and Human Services Information and Referral.  There are about 266 2-1-1 agencies nationwide providing service to 94% of the United States.  Some operation 24/7 and other operate Monday through Friday office hours.

Last year, 3,270 people called VIA LINK.

Callers asked about:

• Disease Epidemics
• Flu Shots
• SCHIP
• Crime Victims
• Stranded travelers
• Interpreters for non-English speaking callers
• Doctors, Social workers and others
• Homeless shelters
• Food Kitchens
• Suicide Prevention
• Reporting scams targeting seniors
• Crisis counseling
• Court ordered case plans
• Childcare options
• Senior care options
• Housing Assistance
• EAP services
• Homebound assistance
• Donations
• Lack of electricity/Poweroutages
• Mental Health Issues
• Dependent Care Concerns
• Crisis Assistance
• Hurricane Evacuation Resources
• Affordable Care Act
• Government services such as
• Medicaid