ABOUT US

First Contact (formerly known as 211 Tampa Bay Cares) has a long and impactful history rooted in the tradition of volunteerism and community support. Established as Pinellas Cares in 1996, the organization has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings. The organization’s core service, the 2-1-1 Helpline, originated in the 1970s as a crisis intervention hotline in Pinellas County, offering support to individuals facing challenges like loneliness and thoughts of suicide. Over the years, it merged with the United Way’s Information and Referral line and evolved into a comprehensive resource for crisis intervention, family support, and referral services, not only in Pinellas but throughout the Tampa Bay region and across the state of Florida. From its early efforts with Parental Stress Services to launching specialty hotlines for homeless individuals, the organization has continuously adapted to the community's needs, expanding its reach to provide services for the overall community with specialty programs tailored to seniors, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness.

As the agency transitions to First Contact, this new name reflects our broader mission of being the first point of contact for individuals in need of help and guidance. Our evolution to First Contact represents not only a new chapter in our branding but also our deepened commitment to ensuring that no one has to face life's challenges alone. The rebranding symbolizes our proactive approach in offering support, bridging gaps between individuals and the critical resources they need, and staying true to our founding principles of care, compassion, and community. While our name has changed, the essence of our mission remains: to build connections, empower those in need, and be a trusted partner in times of crisis and beyond.