Each year, thousands of Kansas Citians look to United Way of Greater Kansas City 211 for help when they don’t know where else to turn. Year-to-year, the most common needs for assistance include rent and utility assistance. Aligned with our mission to foster financial security so that everyone has the ability to thrive, 211 Community Resource Specialists work diligently to connect callers to services that can provide direct financial aid and legal aid support when needed to navigate these life challenges.
In September:
A Kansas City, Mo. resident only planned to reach 211 for help with his electric bill. Recently unemployed, he was struggling to make ends meet while searching for a new job, despite having lots of experience. The electric bill felt like the most urgent crisis in a sea of challenges. As the conversation unfolded, the Community Resource Specialist (CRS) listened closely, not just to the words, but to the exhaustion behind what he was saying. With patience and empathy, the CRS created a space where he felt safe enough to open up about other bills weighing him down. The specialist offered additional resources that could be explored, going beyond the original request. By the end of the call, the gentleman left not only with ways to get assistance for his electricity bill, but with several referrals to also address many of his underlying needs. It wasn’t just about tackling one issue, but truly hearing his story and responding with dignity and care.
The day her gas was shut off, frustration boiled over for a Kansas City, Mo. mother. Though she is employed full-time, bills were stacking up and she was desperately searching for help–when someone encouraged her to reach out to 211. By the time she dialed the three-digit number, she was angry, exhausted and unsure what to do next. On the other end of the line, a Community Resource Specialist (CRS) met her with kindness and compassion. The specialist acknowledged just how difficult the situation must be for the mother and reassured her that she was not alone. Then, step-by-step, the CRS identified three local agencies that may be able to assist in restoring gas services by paying the balance. The specialist explained how to connect with each agency, complete the necessary intake steps, and the process for each service. As the call went on, the mother’s tone shifted. The anger and worry in her voice turned into relief. For the first time that day, she felt like there was a path forward. She ended the call with clear next steps and a little more peace of mind.
An eviction notice felt like a breaking point for a Kansas City, Mo. woman. Despite working full-time, her paychecks simply were not enough to cover the bills. And with the notice, her housing was now threatened, too. With the very real risk of homelessness weighing heavily on her, she turned to 211 for help. A Community Resource Specialist carefully listened and determined she was eligible for the city’s Right to Counsel program, which offers legal representation in eligible Kansas City, Mo. eviction housing court cases. Together, they completed the application, with the specialist walking her through each step to ensure nothing was missed. When the submission went through successfully, the caller’s relief was evident. Because she did not have email access, the specialist reassured her that she could reach back out to 211 to check the application’s status. She left the conversation with a stronger sense of security, assured that 211 was available when she needed additional support and that her application could lead to legal support to prevent homelessness.
No matter what life circumstance you’re facing—trouble paying bills, finding housing or employment, caring for an aging loved one, transportation needs, connecting to mental health support and more—211 is here for you. A caring Community Resource Specialist is ready to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week—simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone or connect with us online at 211KC.org. Marque 2-1-1 y hablamos Espanol. Interpretation services available in 150+ languages.
Ensure 211 can answer our community’s call by making a gift today.