211 MOUNTAIN VALLEY

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🚨IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

Due to the impacts to Merced County residents as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, beginning Saturday, November 1st, The Bus will provide free fares to all passengers.

Please note that UC Merced and Merced College students along with seniors, veterans, and ADA-eligible passengers must still continue to show their respective qualifying IDs to ride for free.

For more information about The Bus’ routes and schedules, please visit thebuslive.com.

Immigration Services
Immigration
 Housing
Housing
 Utilities
Utilities
 Food
Food

2025 most requested resources

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

211 Community Needs Map

NEEDS BY CITY

  • 211 is a free service that connects people to health and human services 24/7. It provides bilingual Call Specialists and supports over 150 languages through translation services. During disasters, 211 shares emergency updates on shelters and road closures.

  • 211 operates like 911 for social services. When you call, your phone provider automatically routes you to your local 211 center for assistance

  • BY PHONE: Dial 211

    BY TEXT: Text “HELP” to 898211

    ONLINE: Visit www.211merced.org.

    • BASIC NEEDS: Food banks, shelters, rent & utility assistance.

    • HEALTH SERVICES: Medicaid, Medicare, crisis support, mental health, addiction recovery.

    • EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT: Job training, career services, education programs.

    • SPECIALIZED SUPPORT: Veterans, disability assistance, family caregivers.

    • DISASTER RELIEF: Emergency response, recovery resources.

  • Yes, 211 operates in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, covering 99% of the U.S. population.

  • During hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, 211 provides evacuation routes, shelter locations, and recovery resources to help keep 911 lines free for life-threatening emergencies.

  • 211 collects caller data on community needs, helping policymakers identify service gaps and improve local resource allocation.

    • Monday-Friday (8AM - 5PM): United Way of Merced County operates 211.

    • Evenings, Weekends & Holidays: Calls are handled by CAPK in Kern County.

  • 211 has bilingual English and Spanish Call Specialists and provides 24/7 interpretation services in over 150 languages.

Rent Payment Assistance
- Income too high
- No funding available
- Long waitlist
- Already received help this year
Electric Service Payment
- Utility assistance program closed
- Missed application window
- No proof of income
- Not a priority zip code
Transitional Housing
- No units available
- Not eligible due to age
- Waitlist full
- Not fleeing domestic violence
Food Pantries
- ID required
- Pantry closed
- Outside service area
- Already visited this week