United Way 211
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
211 Helpline
United Way 211 serves as a vital connection to community resources for our neighbors in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Ross counties. Our social service professionals have extensive Community Resource Navigation training, which allows them to break down complex situations and help callers find the resources they need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
This past fiscal year, our 211 team fielded 193,358 calls and met 198,026 individual needs including food, housing, and utility assistance; reduced prescription costs; veterans assistance, and more.
211 is currently serving
Cuyahoga, Geauga, & Ross Counties
What Happens When You Dial 211?
STEP
1
A professional specialist listens to ensure that you find the best resources to match your needs.
STEP
2
The specialist asks a few questions to ensure they can make the best referrals possible.
STEP
3
The specialist searches 211’s Community Resource Database of over 18,000 government, health and social service programs.
STEP
4
You work with the specialist and develop a customized plan.
When You Call 211 a Trained Specialist will Guide you to the Help You Need
- Food, housing & utility assistance
- Employment services
- Health care
- Counseling services
- Drug & alcohol treatment
- Child & family support
- Legal services
- Veterans’ services
- Income support
- Tax preparation assistance
- Municipal & community services
- And more!
Hear How Our 211 Navigators Help the Community
Playlist
Listen to a dramatization of a 211 Navigator helping a veteran seeking food assistance.
Listen to a dramatization of a 211 Navigator helping a single mother with housing assistance.
Listen to a dramatization of a 211 Navigator helping an older adult with financial and health assistance.
United Way 211 is a vital and comprehensive source of information about local resources for community members. The free and confidential service helps our neighbors find the resources they need and, in the process, build stronger communities. The service is powered by our dedicated team of social service professionals who are mindful about social justice and respectful of the community we serve.
211 Day is the annual observance highlighting the three-digit resource (211) that connects millions of people in the United States and Canada – including those in Northeast Ohio – with the resources they need 24/7/365. United Way 211 is a vital and comprehensive source of information about local resources for community members. The free and confidential service is powered by professionals with the knowledge and compassion to help our neighbors find the resources they need and, in the process, help to build stronger communities. On this 211 Day and every day, we say “thank you” to the dedicated members of our 211 Team for all their hard work!
Hear from 211 team members about the ways they help our community members.
Teddy is one of the thousands of North Stars who guide United Way’s work. His gratitude and warmth shine through even during the toughest of times, of which there have been plenty.
Expanded Community Partnerships
Greater Cleveland Food Bank Community Resource Center: United Way 211 is one of 14 nonprofit organizations at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s new Community Resource Center on South Waterloo Road, which aims to address the root causes of food insecurity. A 211 specialist is on-site full-time, providing support and navigation services.
Support for Cleveland’s 311 Call Center: The City of Cleveland selected United Way of Greater Cleveland in 2023 to support the City’s 311 call center as the answering service outside of normal business hours as well as on weekends, holidays, and during surge periods.
Utility Assistance: United Way 211 partners with CHN Housing Partners to streamline the screening process and access to utility expense assistance programs. The partnership creates a single point of contact to help Cuyahoga County residents learn about available electric, gas, and water service assistance programs, and improves the access and overall customer experience for anyone in immediate need of assistance with the cost of utilities. Call 216-600-8108.
