Connect with 211

Free | Confidential | 24/7 | 350+ Languages

What is 211?

Whether you need help finding childcare, food stamps, care for an aging parent, or a haven from domestic violence, 211 is the number to call when you don’t know who to call. Our trained HELPLINE specialists are good listeners, blending understanding and expertise to provide information and referrals drawn from a comprehensive database of social services.

How 211 helps our community


Crisis intervention

Through the United Way Strike Team, 211 connects our neighbors to coordinated support to meet complex needs.

Veteran resources

Mission United connects active duty military, veterans, and their families with dedicated specialist support.

Disaster response

211 provides critical information and resources 24/7 during disasters and registers neighbors for STEAR.

Financial stability

211 is an entry to a variety of United Way-funded services that help our neighbors land on their feet—and stay there.

Hear From Real 211 Specialists

Veteran resources

“It’s important to have a lifeline when you don’t know who to call. We are here to help you, no matter what’s going on.”

—Britney Reed, Information and Referral Specialist

Crisis intervention

“I try to make the individual feel heard and let them know I care. I want to give them hope that there’s help out there.”

—Kedrick Thorn, Information and Referral Specialist

Disaster response

“No matter who you are, what language you speak or where you’re from, we’re here to help you.”

—Alyssa Trevino, Information and Referral Specialist

Donate

A gift to United Way of Greater Houston powers real-time support for people facing hardship. Your donation keeps phone lines open and makes sure help is always just a call away.

Volunteer

In times of disaster, 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE needs to expand our capacity to answer calls for help within a matter of hours. We are seeking volunteers to help us!

Learn More

Impact of 211 in 2025

impact line

225,023

People connected with utility assistance

177,557

People connected with rent or mortgage assistance

107,442

People connected with food programs and services

94,030

People connected with housing services

Explore Live 211 Data

Explore 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE data using the dashboard below. For a larger dashboard, or if you have trouble seeing the image below, click here.


If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211.

Additional 211 Information

Learn more details about the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. Below, you’ll find a Community Briefing deck along with a one-page overview highlighting all the essential information about 211 services.

Spread the Word About 211!

We’ve crafted plug-and-play social media posts and graphics that can be used on February 11 to promote 211 Day and the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. Download the 211 Day social media toolkit.

Remember to use #211Day and #UWGH in your posts and tag @unitedwayhouston on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Thank you for championing 211!