This holiday season, United Way 211 will continue to be on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week, responding to our community’s needs in real-time.
One of the biggest challenges our neighbors face every day is finding transportation to get them to things like work, school, childcare, medical appointments, food pantries/grocery stores and more. That’s why United Way partners with rideshare operator Lyft for the Ride United program. It provides a pivotal connection to help individuals in the Kansas City area maintain their financial and household stability with rides to those critical destinations. In 2025, we’ve provided more than 2100 rides through the program. Here are two stories of how those rides have made a meaningful impact.
A Lee’s Summit, Mo. senior found herself stuck. Her car would not start and she had an important doctor’s appointment to get to. With no other options, anxiety set in. She called 211, hoping there might be a solution. The Community Resource Specialist she connected with listened to her concerns and confirmed her eligibility for the Ride United program. Together, they arranged a Lyft ride, with the specialist clearly explaining how the program worked and what to expect. Soon, the ride details were in hand and the stress of the morning lifted. The caller expressed her sincere gratitude, calling the specialist a ‘lifesaver’ before hanging up. What began as a moment of worry ended with reassurance, dignity, and a safe ride to the medical care she needed.
A Kansas City, Mo. resident reached out to 211 after receiving help from the Ride United program, just to share her thanks. As an older woman fighting stage three breast cancer, financial difficulties have been part of her battle. Before her own diagnosis, she was the primary caregiver for her mom who fell ill and needed 24-hour care before her passing earlier this year. Just a few months after losing her mother, she was diagnosed with cancer. With back-to-back devastating life events, she shared it’s been really hard to cover all her expenses, including the medications she needs, especially after having to take time off work to focus on her health.
She decided to call United Way 211 to see if there was anything that was available to help with transportation to her treatment appointments. She had been using another ride service, but it had become very expensiveand unsustainable. When she reached 211, the Community Resource Specialist (CRS) listened to her with such compassion before making a referral to the Ride United program, where Lyft rides could be scheduled for upcoming appointments. The caller was grateful for the program, as it allowed her to allocate funds toward her medication and provided much needed relief knowing she could get safely to her appointments. She wanted to thank United Way and the CRS for the kindness and critical service provided. She shared that as both a donor and community member, she was happy to support such programs and receive help when she had a need. She said she strongly believes in United Way’s mission and will “continue giving to such a great organization”.
In addition to transportation, many neighbors are also needing holiday assistance this season. A 68-year-old Kansas City, Mo. woman living alone called 211 hoping to get some help. As Thanksgiving and Christmas approached and being on a limited income, the idea of a holiday meal felt uncertain and overwhelming. A Community Resource Specialist was there to help, connecting her with a holiday food program nearby. The support didn’t stop with that referral alone. A few days later, a simple follow-up text offered a chance to check-in and make sure she was able to get the food basket she needed. Her response was so affirming, She gave a 10/10 rating for both 211 and the food basket, sharing she felt, “very blessed to receive the meal” and expressing her deep thanks for the support. What could have been a lonely holiday instead become a moment of warmth, dignity, and gratitude.
Help us continue to ensure these vital services are available around the clock, with assistance in 150 languages by making a year-end gift here.