In hard times, United Way 211 is here for our community. United Way of Greater Kansas City provides free, confidential access to services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone can call 211 from a landline or mobile phone to reach the service or utilize it online at 211KC.org. It is the only accredited information and referral resource available locally.
Our dedicated, caring team of Community Resource Navigators listen diligently to help uncover needs neighbors have and identify services that can help. During the confidential call, you can connect with services ranging from food assistance to healthcare, shelters, utility and rent assistance, disaster relief, employment aid, mental health, substance use treatment and more.
Last year, 211 was contacted 358,099 times. The volume of phone calls and requests for help through 211KC.org have been steadily increasing in recent years, with a 19-percent spike in contacts in 2023. Nearly 90-percent of users were successfully connected with resources.
February 11th (2-11) is recognized as 211 Day. The week following it, is honored as 211 Week. (February 11-17)
“When people need help but don’t know what to do or where to go, they turn to United Way 211. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, 211 connects thousands of people with resources at hundreds of agencies providing opportunities for everyone in Kansas City to thrive. There is nothing else like 211 in our community,” said Todd Jordan, PhD, UWGKC Vice President of Community Impact and 211 Executive Director.
FAST FACTS:
- Calls & online request to 211 continue to soar. Last year, our regional 211 was contacted 358,099 times. Phone call volume alone jumped 25-percent.
- A 211 phone call is answered every seven minutes across our 23-county service area
- Utility and rent/mortgage payment assistance top the list of community needs, followed by shelters, legal aid, and food assistance
- Residents in Jackson County make up 71-percent of contacts received
- Most callers are ages 18-59 (78-percent), 22-percent are senior citizens
- Half of callers are employed or retired; half are unemployed