United Way of the Greater Capital Region Promotes the Vital Community Hotline on National 211 Day
ALBANY, NY (February 11, 2025) – February 11th (2/11) marks National 211 Day, an annual observance recognizing the essential, 24/7 three-digit resource (2-1-1) that connects millions of people across the U.S. and Canada to critical services. In the Northeast Region, 211 has been a trusted source of help for over 40 years, providing free, confidential support for food assistance, healthcare, mental health services, housing, childcare, and more. 211 services are available in over 180 languages, ensuring accessibility for all.
The latest 211 Impact Survey reveals that over 20 million requests for assistance were handled nationwide in 2023. Trained referral specialists work directly with callers to connect them with local resources tailored to their needs. In the Northeast Region, United Way collaborates with a network of 930 community-based organizations, government agencies, and social service providers to link callers to nearly 4,000 programs offering support with immediate and long-term needs.
In 2024, 211 responded to 6,951 calls for help in the Northeast Region, which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties. The call volume reflects the rising cost of living, which continues to burden local families and individuals. According to the latest data from United For ALICE, 41% of Capital Region households live below the ALICE threshold and struggle to afford basic necessities.
With 2,422 calls for help, housing and shelter concerns made up the largest percentage (37%) of all calls, highlighting the urgent need for stable and affordable living conditions. Additionally, 7.5% of calls were related to employment and financial assistance.
“It’s no secret that wages are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living in the Capital Region and across the country,” said Peter Gannon, President & CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “For families and individuals in need of support, 211 is one of the key ways we’re working with our partners to build pathways to financial security. Whether it’s paying rent, finding a place to stay, putting food on the table, or accessing healthcare and childcare, 211 connects people to the help they need.”
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211: A Lifeline for the Capital Region
Residents in the Capital Region rely on 211 for assistance with disaster relief, food access, healthcare, mental health support, insurance, housing stability, utility payments, veteran services, childcare, and other essential needs. Key facts about 211:
- Available 24/7, free, and confidential in 99% of communities
- Accessible in more than 180 languages
- Provides compassionate, non-judgmental support from trained specialists who connect individuals and families to a wide range of available resources—not just the one that prompted the initial call, text, or email
- Text message support available at 898-211
A Vital Resource in Times of Crisis
Established by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000, 211 serves as the national three-digit number for health, human, and social services referrals. In addition to year-round support, 211 plays a crucial role in times of disaster—such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires—by disseminating accurate, vetted information and ensuring that 911 lines remain available for emergencies.
Get Involved on 211 Day
United Way of the Greater Capital Region encourages residents to:
- Reach out to 211 via call, text, or chat if they or someone they know needs help
- Share information about 211 with family, friends, and neighbors to ensure more people are aware of the support available
- Advocate for strengthening 211 services by engaging with local policymakers
About United Way of the Greater Capital Region
United Way of the Greater Capital Region mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
About 211
211 is a 24/7 free, confidential service offered in 180 languages that connects individuals to resources and services in their local communities by phone, text and on the web. Individuals in need or who are looking for information for someone else can call 211 from a cell phone or landline. United Way supports and provides 211 services in most communities across the U.S.
For more information about 211, visit 211.org.