211

211 connects neighbors to everyday services assistance that make lives better, and help in crises. Every day,  trained Community Resource Specialists make 45,000 referrals to connect people to local resources. 

And they're trained to identify and address the causes of problems. They listen to understand, and seek to connect people to local resources that can meet all their needs—from food, housing and utilities, to health care, jobs and childcare—not just the one that prompted the call, text or email to 211. 

Transportation is a fundamental part of life, yet not everyone has equal access to it. United Way created Ride United in 2018 to help people in need get critical rides – to doctor’s appointments, education programs, job interviews, food pantries, veterans’ services, and more.

With the help of Lyft, GM, Principal and thousands of community agencies, millions of our most vulnerable neighbors across the U.S. are now getting transportation and food delivery help: 

More About Ride United  

During disasters, 211 helps spread the word about evacuation. It points people to shelters and helps them find food and water. And it connects them to federal agencies in the rebuilding phase. 211s from other regions step up to field calls in disaster-stricken areas. Here’s how 211 was there for New Jersey during a tropical storm.

During tax season, IRS-trained call center operators staff United Way’s MyFreeTaxes helpline in the U.S., answering questions to help people file their state and federal tax returns.

The annual 211 Impact Survey is the only one of its kind to collect data from all 50 states on the challenges Americans. Housing as well as utility and food assistance were the top needs identified last year by people who contacted 211 for help. 
 

Taking care of a loved one – like an aging parent, or a youth with disability – can be hard. That’s why United Way and AARP are collaborating to connect more family caregivers to more resources across the U.S. Learn More