About six weeks ago, a reader asked us to help her find an H1N1 flu shot for her child. This was before the vaccines were widely available to those considered low risk.

Answering our call for help was Ed Davis of the Houston United Way. Davis suggested our readers use 2-1-1, the Texas/United Way Helpline. We passed the advice along, then it occurred to me that 2-1-1 was a service to tell everyone about.

2-1-1 offers information and referrals to social services available throughout the Houston area. Its specialists speak more than 150 languages.

It's a free call, even from cell phones, and the line is answered 24/7. In addition to finding flu vaccinations close to your home or work, 2-1-1 specialists can provide details on school closures, elder care, back-to-school and holiday programs, and basic safety.

You can also email the helpline at helpline (at) unitedwayhouston (dot) org or use its online database.

2-1-1 Texas/United Way Helpline is the nation's largest call center of its kind answering more than 575,000 calls last year.