United Way of Greater Cleveland commemorates 211 day, celebrating a lifeline for the community and launching a community awareness campaign
CLEVELAND (February 11, 2025) – Today United Way of Greater Cleveland celebrates 211 Day, an annual observance honoring 211, a vital community resource that connects people to essential services in Cuyahoga and Geauga counties. This simple three-digit number has become a lifeline for residents needing support, helping with food, housing, healthcare, mental health services, and more.
In 2024 alone, United Way 211 Navigators responded to more than 226,000 calls, providing solutions and comfort to community members in times of crisis. The service’s reach extends across a wide spectrum of needs, from connecting veterans with resources to helping families navigate complex systems and offering critical support in the wake of natural disasters.
“United Way 211 is the call Greater Clevelanders make when there is no place else to turn for help,” said Sharon Sobol Jordan, United Way of Greater Cleveland’s President and CEO. “Today, we celebrate 211 Day to recognize the incredible work of our United Way 211 team. Whether it’s a family facing eviction, someone in need of food or utility assistance, or a single mom needing job training, 211 is the front door to our social safety net—providing a lifeline and real-time connections to resources for so many Greater Clevelanders.”
Key 211 highlights from 2024
- United Way 211 fielded a nearly 300 percent increase in calls for food assistance following severe summer storms, leading to $250,000 in emergency funding for food pantries.
- When a cyber attack temporarily shut down Cleveland’s 311 helpline, United Way 211 stepped in to ensure uninterrupted service, answering over 2,600 calls.
- The MedRefer program saved callers nearly $1.2 million in prescription drug costs.
- United Way 211 connected over 3,400 veterans with vital programs and services, and helped more than 10,000 local residents access over $11.7 million in tax refunds.
Launching a 211 awareness campaign
As part of 211 Day celebrations, United Way of Greater Cleveland is launching a campaign to raise awareness about this essential service. The “Starts with 2-1-1” campaign will highlight the wide range of resources available to residents, encouraging them to reach out for help and share 211 with their communities. United Way will distribute posters throughout Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, and partner with Greater Cleveland RTA to share the message via bus signage. Please view and download all community campaign assets here.
United Way of Greater Cleveland invites residents to:
- Call, text, or chat 2-11 for help or to connect others to services.
- Share 211 with family, friends, and neighbors to ensure those in need have access to support.
- Advocate for continued investment in 211 services to strengthen the community’s safety net.
As always, United Way 211 remains committed to delivering timely, compassionate, and accurate resources to those who need them most. For assistance, visit 211oh.org or call
2-1-1.
About United Way of Greater Cleveland:
United Way of Greater Cleveland is a local, independent nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and creating pathways to economic mobility for all residents. Working with cross-sector partners, United Way addresses critical community needs, bringing together resources and research-driven solutions to build a stronger, more equitable future for the Greater Cleveland area. To learn more, visit www.unitedwaycleveland.org.
