Knowledge is power.

That is especially important for people dealing with hard times, whether caused by a natural disaster or the economy.

211, an area service, compiles information on agencies and organizations providing help to families for a variety of reasons. People can access the information center by simply dialing 211.

“211 is a statewide health and human services phone number anybody can call,” said Trisha Metrolis, coordinator of grants and special projects for CANHelp, a small nonprofit in Hopkins County, Texas, that oversees the 211 program for ni...