Via Link

General information

2-1-1 CALL CENTER
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated the phone number 2-1-1 as the official number to call for Health and Human Services related information and referrals, and VIA LINK is the agency in Southeast Louisiana which provides this service. Our call center counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis counseling and information and referrals to programs which can help with needs such as food, shelter, medical care, financial assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, senior services, childcare and more.

2-1-1 Team
Call Center counselors include paid staff as well as volunteers. All are trained to assist callers for a wide range of concerns. From suicide prevention to homelessness, depression, hunger, financial issues, senior care, child care, and other concerns, the counselors listen to callers’ situations and problems, counsels each caller and offers information about how to access appropriate resources for resolution.

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Events
When life seems hopeless or out of control, VIA LINK Call Center Counselors are here to listen and help.

Resource Guide
Our Community Resource Directory provides a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of health and human services. You can access this information by simply dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-749-2673). Printed directories can also be purchased by contacting our Resource Manager Mike Jones at 504-896-2002. Coming soon is an online subscription option to our Community Resource Directory. An individual search for resources may be done on our Resource Directory page.

Homeless Management Information System
VIA LINK manages the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This HUD mandated system is a partnership with UNITY of Greater New Orleans.

Volunteer Training
VIA LINK offers training for the following:
• safeTALK -- A three-hour workshop that trains and prepares individuals to identify someone with thoughts of suicide and to then be able to connect the person to suicide first-aide resources.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)-- A 2-day skill building workshop that prepares caregivers of all kinds to provide suicide first aid interventions to persons at risk of suicide.
• Comprehensive Call Center Counselor Training -- A 40+ hour training designed to fully prepare participants for situations they would encounter on the hotline. The skills learned in this training can be easily applied to other work. ASIST is included in the training.

Disaster Related Services
Whether the crisis is a hurricane, flood, ice storm, or another type of disaster, VIA LINK’s 2-1- 1 Call Center is ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. VIA LINK is part of the Louisiana 2-1-1 system that works in concert with public officials in the city, parish and state to provide disaster related information on available resources.