What is the difference between Open211 and Open Referral?

Open Referral is both the name of this community of practice, and also the shorthand name of our format for community resource data (which is technically known as the Human Services Data Specification). 

Open211 is a name that has been used by various groups and organizations in various contexts over the years. Some 2-1-1 providers have ‘Open211’ APIs, some groups have built themselves Open211 apps, but we are not necessarily affiliated with them. Sometimes, Open Referral supports local 2-1-1s in projects that they’ve described as “Open211,” but Open Referral claims no ownership thereof. 

Posted in: About Open Referral, Organizational Questions