When to Call 211 vs. Lee County Government
Use United Way 211 for community and social-service referrals; use the county switchboard for government departments and programs.
Start here
Dial 211 or 239-433-3900 for free, confidential, 24/7 community referrals. Call the Lee County switchboard at 239-533-2111 for county departments, services, and government information.
24/7; alternate 239-433-3900; text 239-433-7577
See Lee-area 211 optionsWhat to have ready
- Lee County ZIP code
- One-sentence description of the need
- Deadline, shutoff, eviction, discharge, or safety concern
- Preferred language and accessibility needs
Words you can use
“I am in Lee County ZIP code [ZIP] and need [specific help]. Which program owns this, is it accepting applications, and what begins the process?”
Steps in order
- 1
Use 211 for community, food, housing, crisis, and social-service referrals.
- 2
Use 239-533-2111 for Lee County departments and government services.
- 3
Ask for the program name and direct number.
- 4
Confirm eligibility, funding, and appointment rules with the program itself.
If the first answer is no or wait
Ask for another route and whether funding is temporarily closed. Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency.
Official sources
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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