Finding the dollars to pay an electric bill, keep reliable transportation, provide for a family and have food on the table can be a challenge for many households, even with a steady paycheck. More than 40% of all US households are considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—meaning they struggle to make ends meet.
United Way of Greater Kansas City, through its direct service work and support to partner organizations, reached more than 105,000 people with economic empowerment programming in 2025. This work is aimed at enhancing the financial security of our community members, so that all have the ability to thrive. The need for support to achieve financial security emerged as a theme in our January 211 call highlights.
A 73-year-old retiree called 211 looking for help with preparing his taxes. He had previously used the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) service several times in the past. But last year, with weather cancellations, he struggled to get an appointment. He started the call concerned about experiencing similar challenges and shared there were no available appointments at his preferred location, the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council. It was the closest location, and he doesn’t drive long distances anymore. The Community Resource Specialist listened attentively while he shared his concerns. After reviewing other VITA locations with available appointments, the specialist suggested utilizing the Ride United transportation program so he could get to a site further away. Using Lyft, he could get to the site and back, reducing his concerns and ensuring he could get an appointment while on the line with the specialist. The specialist was able to schedule an appointment at Avenue of Life and booked a round-trip ride for him. He was very grateful and appreciative to the specialist for hearing his concerns and working on problem-solving for him. He shared his appreciation to United Way and felt blessed to have a resource like 211 to help people in need.
A Kansas City woman reached out to 211, feeling stressed and overwhelmed—needing help with both her electric and water bills. She had fallen behind on payments and her water was about to be shut off. After reviewing vetted utility payment services, the Community Resource Specialist identified six programs. After providing the information for each one, including the intake process and required documents, the specialist offered to set a text message follow-up to check with the caller in a few days. In that follow-up message, the caller gave a glowing 5/5 rating for the help she received and indicated Reconciliation Services was able to assist with her bills.
A Kansas Citian called 211 looking for help to get to a doctor’s appointment. She explained that she does not have a car and takes public transportation. However, the bus line did not run near her appointment location. The Community Resource Specialist gathered her basic information to check eligibility for transportation programs, including ride services for seniors, and determined her need and situation would best be served by United Way’s Ride United program. The specialist explained a Lyft ride would be provided from her home to the medical appointment and back. The caller was grateful for the support. The specialist explained the process after scheduling her ride. She was appreciative for the help and ended the call with gratitude and relief.
If you or someone you know needs support to attain financial security, 211 is here for you. It’s free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit 211KC.org to be connected with a network of more than 7,000 local resources.