Many older adults worry they haven’t saved enough for retirement, and AARP says a top financial concern is that prices are rising faster than income for those ages 65 and older. Aging adults also have added concerns about healthcare and long-term care costs and may rely heavily on fixed or limited income, including Social Security.
The weight of those challenges is also felt by caregivers. Taking care of a loved one—like an aging parent, a loved one with a disability or mental health challenges—can be difficult. That’s why United Way and AARP collaborate to connect more family caregivers to resources in our community.
More than 10% of all those calling 211 for help in 2025 identified themselves as retired. Over the last three years, the number of calls from older adults who are either homeless or at imminent risk of being homeless has remained consistently high, averaging more than 2000 individuals annually. Many seniors reaching out to 211 share that they are not fully supported by retirement income or benefits, and approximately 44% indicate being unemployed but not retired.
This month’s 211 call highlights share insight into the struggles faced by the aging adult population.
A 67-year-old Kansas City retired woman connected with 211 looking for help with paying gas and electricity bills. Like many older adults on a fixed income, rising utility costs have proven overwhelming. A caring Community Resource Specialist quickly connected her with several assistance programs. While some agencies had waitlists, she was able to receive immediate support from Bishop Sullivan Center, which helped keep her water service connected. She also received confirmation from LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) that a pledge had been approved for her gas and electric bills.
“It’s truly a blessing. Thank you all so much!” she shared.
A 70-year-old retired Kansas City woman called United Way 211 after receiving a notice of eviction. With increasing costs for basic needs, she was struggling to cover monthly bills. During the call, she learned about the Kansas City, Mo. Right to Counsel program, which provides free legal representation to Kansas City, Mo. residents who are facing eviction. Unable to afford an attorney, she was grateful for the program and asked for help completing the application. The 211 Community Resource Specialist guided her through each step and encouraged her to call back with any concerns. Eager to know if the application was accepted, she reached back out to 211 the following day and was able to confirm her application was approved. The Community Resource Specialist also reviewed what she should expect as she prepared for her upcoming housing court hearing. Access to legal support, and knowing she could rely on 211, provided critical stability during a stressful time.
A family caregiver reached out to United Way 211 on behalf of a 78-year-old woman struggling to pay rent. With a fixed income and rising living expenses, safe housing had become increasingly out of reach. The caregiver hoped to find a housing solution like a senior or nursing care facility that could better support the elder’s medical needs. The 211 Community Resource Specialist provided a curated list of agencies offering online senior housing and nursing facility directories. These resources give caregivers and older adults essential information—from levels of care to amenities—helping families identify the best fit for their circumstances. The caregiver expressed deep appreciation for the guidance, noting the elder had been in and out of the hospital and urgently needed a safe, supportive place to live. Before ending the call, the specialist reassured her United Way 211 is available anytime she needs additional resources or help in caring for her loved one.
Stories like these highlight the critical role 211 plays every day—offering guidance, resources and hope when individuals need it most. If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211KC.org can be the first step in getting help.