What if getting help was as simple as making one call or sending a text?
For too many families, it hasn’t been. Families have faced confusing systems, long searches for answers, and moments when support felt just out of reach. Too often, that has meant delays in getting the help they need, when they need it most. That is about to change.
A new partnership between the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and Ohio 211 will expand access to all 88 counties by June 2026, ensuring every Ohioan can connect with local resources, no matter where they live.
As Governor Mike DeWine shared, “Connecting Ohioans to the help they need should be simple and accessible. Expanding 211 services statewide ensures that every Ohioan, no matter where they live, can quickly find support for everyday challenges. This partnership strengthens our ability to serve families and makes it easier for people to access the local resources that can help them move forward.”
Why 211 matters
Every day, families face real challenges: finding food, keeping the lights on, securing safe housing, and accessing child care and health services.
211 is designed for exactly these moments.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 211 is a free resource that connects people to a network of more than 30,000 services across 7,000 organizations. At the heart of 211 are trained navigators who listen with empathy, take the time to understand each person’s situation, and respond with care and respect. Every interaction is grounded in dignity, ensuring callers feel heard, supported, and connected to the help they need.
As Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente emphasized, “Every family should be able to find help when they need it. Expanding 211 statewide will make it easier for Ohioans to connect with the services and supports that help children and families stay safe, healthy, and stable.”
Closing the gap
Today’s system includes 13 regional providers. This expansion will bring greater consistency, quality, and reach to the 30 additional counties where services have been limited or unavailable.
With funding from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to Ohio 211, United Way of Greater Cleveland will expand service to Belmont, Darke, Lawrence, and Scioto counties, joining the communities already served in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Ross. This expansion is part of Ohio’s effort to build a fully statewide 211 system so every resident can easily connect to help.
It also strengthens something bigger: a true continuum of care. One where families can move from crisis and uncertainty to stability with fewer barriers and more support.
Extending support beyond business hours
Families don’t only need help between 8 and 5. 211 will also extend access to the Department of Children and Youth’s Family and Customer Support Center, connecting families to critical programs and services after hours.
That means:
- More timely support
- Fewer delays
- Greater peace of mind for families navigating complex challenges
What to expect next
This is more than a system expansion. It is a shift in how we show up for families.
At United Way of Greater Cleveland, we see every day how access to the right resource at the right time can change the trajectory of an individual or family. We also know that awareness matters just as much as access.
That is why we are committed to helping our community understand when to call 211 and how it complements services like 988 and 911. Knowing where to turn is often the first step forward.
- Calls to 211 focus on daily needs and long-term supports that help families stay safe and stable.
- Calls to 911 address emergencies such as fires, medical issues, or crimes.
- Calls to 988 support people experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, or emotional distress.
One call. Real connection.
No matter where someone lives in Ohio, help and resources should always be within reach. With 211 available in every county, Ohio is one step closer to making that a reality.
