Community Resiliency

211

Connecting people to local resources.

United Way is there when our communities need us. One way that happens — in 99% of the U.S. and across Canada — is through 211. This confidential 24/7 call center connects people with locally available help. In 2024, 211 fielded 16.8 million requests for help in the U.S. 211 is free to use. And it’s available 180+ languages.

Worker at a food distribution site under a tent

Find Food Resources

Looking for food resources in your area? Use the new 211 Food Resource Finder to find food banks, distribution sites, pantries, and more in your community.

Use The Finder

211 LA Answers the Call in the Toughest Times

United Way was proud to support 211 LA by coordinating 211 network partners to provide additional surge capacity and through additional resources for long term recovery efforts serving wildfire victims.

211 Fuels Community Solutions

As America's most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services, 211 curates a standardized dataset of nearly 1.7M local programs and services. 211 specialists also log call volumes and reasons why people call, providing policymakers valuable insights into communities' changing needs and demands. Read more about what 211 does:

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.
The increase in average life expectancy in the United States has caused a shift in family dynamics. As your parents age, you may find yourself in the role of caregiver. Caring for aging parents can include emotional support, assistance with daily tasks, and getting them the best medical care.

Learn The Basics