Pictured: the 211 LA team attends the 2024 Hate Crimes Grantee Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
Written by: Gilbert Zavala
As part of United Against Hate Week, 211 LA proudly stands against hate, working to create safer and more inclusive communities across Los Angeles County. Through initiatives like LA vs. Hate, Stop the Hate - Dream Centers, Resilient Communities, and CA vs. Hate, we empower individuals to report hate crimes and incidents while offering critical support and resources.
Since 2019, 211 LA’s anti-hate programs have supported over 5,840 victims of hate-related incidents, thanks to strong partnerships with the LA County Commission on Human Relations, the California Civil Rights Department, and community-based organizations. Our impact has expanded beyond Los Angeles, as we now provide technical assistance and training to other states, including Illinois and Nevada, helping them establish their hate reporting systems through grants from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Our Programs:
- LA vs. Hate is a community-driven initiative designed to prevent hate and bias by encouraging residents to report hate acts and incidents through a dedicated reporting line. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and numerous community organizations, 211 LA provides a secure reporting platform and connects victims with critical resources and support. Funded by LA County, the initiative raises public awareness through campaigns and partnerships, working towards building a more inclusive and resilient Los Angeles. To report, dial 2-1-1.
- Stop the Hate- Dream Centers provide safe spaces in schools for students facing bullying, discrimination, or hate-related incidents. These centers offer emotional support and connect students with counselors and peers, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion. This program, supported by the LA vs Hate initiative and local school districts, empowers vulnerable youth to report hate acts.
- The Resilient Communities program, funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, focuses on enhancing community-based approaches to addressing hate acts. It aims to increase awareness, encourage victim reporting, and improve responses to hate-related incidents. As part of this initiative, 211 LA has expanded its work with LA vs Hate by introducing street vendor outreach to raise awareness within this community about reporting hate acts. LA County street vendors and others can report incidents by dialing 2-1-1, where they will be connected to specialized resources and services.
- CA vs Hate is a statewide initiative offering Californians a secure platform to report hate acts and incidents through the 833-8-NO-HATE (833) 866-4283 reporting line Monday - Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm or 2-1-1. In collaboration with the California Civil Rights Department and supported by the 211 California provider network, 211 LA connects victims to critical resources, such as counseling, legal assistance, and support services.
- National Anti-Hate Technical Assistance, 211 LA was awarded a three-year grant funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. This grant leverages 211 LA’s expertise in developing and operating hate act reporting hotlines. 211 LA provides technical assistance and training to the States of Illinois and Nevada, supporting them in establishing state-run Hate Act reporting systems.
*Campaign Artwork for IllinoisvHate.
- Illinois vs. Hate- In the Spring of 2024, the Illinois Department of Human Rights launched their state’s first non-emergency hate incident reporting helpline and online portal to provide support and resources to individuals and communities affected by hate. It is not a crisis line and is not affiliated with or connected to law enforcement. The Helpline offers a safe and confidential service, providing essential tools, support, and referrals for victims of hate crimes. 211 LA continues to support Illinois with training that will strengthen its service and identify strategic, culturally competent community-based partners who assist with increasing engagement and provide appropriate supportive referrals to resources.
- Nevada vs. Hate- As the Attorney General’s Office prepares to launch their state’s first hate reporting helpline, 211 LA continues to provide guidance on: developing a hate act reporting form; identifying network partners that will cast a real safety net around people who experience bias motivated hate; and creating a referral resource database that contains local resources providers based on what is known to be the most common type of referrals requested by those who experience a hate act.
What to Expect When Dialing 211. When you call 211, you’ll connect with a trained specialist who will listen to your situation and provide immediate support. Whether you’re reporting a hate crime or need resources for recovery, our specialists offer confidential assistance and connect you with relevant services. You’ll receive guidance on filing reports, accessing counseling, and finding community support tailored to your needs. We aim to ensure you feel heard and supported every step of the way.
"As the Director of Anti-Hate Programs, I am constantly reminded of the power of community and the importance of standing together against hate. Every report we receive is a step toward fostering a safer and more inclusive Los Angeles," said Yolie Anguiano, Director of Anti-Hate Programs for 211 LA.
"We aim to offer more than just a reporting platform. Our goal is to make sure people feel heard and have the resources they need to heal and rebuild," added Linda Bustamante, LA vs Hate Program Manager for 211 LA.”
As we expand our services, 211 LA is committed to providing compassionate, personalized support to meet the growing needs of our communities. Our dedicated staff and live agents are here to ensure that no one has to suffer alone or in silence—help is always available.
"This work is about casting a true safety net around those who experience acts of hate and creating systems that empower people to act, report, and heal. At 211 LA, we are building a model that extends beyond our city and state. It’s about making sure every voice is heard, and every community feels safe," said Maribel Marin, Executive Director of 211 LA.”
If you want to learn more about our programs and the impact they have on our communities, we invite you to read our Annual Report and explore our Data Dashboard. These resources offer details of our initiatives, successes, and ongoing efforts to support those in need.
