2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The implementation of 2-1-1 is being spearheaded by United Ways and comprehensive and specialized information and referral agencies in states and local communities.

The Greater Washington 2-1-1 Work Group is working to create the critical database of services that would enable an efficient and effective 2-1-1 information and referral system for the National Capital Region. The database of services will include information regarding nonprofit as well as government services available throughout the Washington, D.C. region, and will provide information for victims/callers on the most suitable services to address their needs. Currently, there is no single, comprehensive resources database for the region, but instead, separate databases for Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland.

MetaLake was hired by United Way of America to develop a technology platform that will support a resource database for the National Capital Region that combines the Northern Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland databases. Working with the Greater Washington 2-1-1 Work Group, MetaLake will develop processes and procedures for combining, auditing, and maintaining data from the three databases. MetaLake will also develop a website application to enable the general public to search the combined database.