Introducing First Contact: A New Name, Same Commitment to Community

After 50 years of dedicated service to our community, we are proud to announce an exciting change! As of October 2, 2024, 211 Tampa Bay Cares is officially rebranding to First Contact. This new name reflects our mission to be the first point of contact for individuals, families, and seniors in need, while continuing to expand the critical services we provide.

The new name, First Contact, captures our role as a trusted lifeline for those seeking assistance, not only through our well-known 211 services but also as the provider of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services for those in need of mental health support. We operate several specialized hotlines that serve survivors of sexual assault, veterans, first responders, and seniors, ensuring that vulnerable populations in our community receive the care and assistance they deserve. Additionally, First Contact offers financial assistance for adults without minor children, addressing an often-overlooked segment of our community.

Our new name reflects the evolution of our services, but our commitment to improving lives through information, connection, and hope remains unchanged. This is especially true now as we manage the significant impact of Hurricane Helene on our community. In the coming weeks, we will continue to focus all efforts on disaster response and recovery, working around the clock to be there for those in need. We understand that many families are still reeling from the effects of the storm, and our priority is to assist in the recovery process.

As Micki Thompson, our President and CEO, put it: "We want to ensure the community knows that we are still the same compassionate, reliable, and impactful organization they have come to trust, but with a new name that better represents the essential work we do."

We are here to help, no matter the challenge, and as First Contact, we will continue to empower our community with the information, connections and support they need to overcome any obstacle.

We are honored to serve as a lifeline to our community, especially in moments like these. Thank you for trusting us with your needs and for standing by our side as we move forward as First Contact.

For more information on our services and how we can assist, please visit us at FirstContact.org.