Free program answered more than 75,000 calls, texts and emails for help last year.
AKRON, Ohio – Feb. 10, 2025 – February 11 marks National 211 Day, and United Way of Summit & Medina is celebrating the impact of this vital resource. A program of United Way of Summit & Medina, 211 is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, simply by dialing 2-1-1. Assistance is also available via text – simply text your zip code to 898-211. Interpretation services are also available. 211 has information on thousands of services for residents, including supplemental food and nutrition programs, prenatal care, transportation, mental health services and more.
In 2024, 211 answered 76,304 calls and 1,594 texts and emails from Summit and Medina County residents. Three out of four callers were women. Half had children in their homes. And about a quarter of callers were over the age of 60.
In addition to connecting residents to supportive services throughout the community, United Way of Summit & Medina also serves as a regional hub for 211 services. Beyond Summit and Medina counties, United Way of Summit & Medina provides 211 services for six other counties: Portage, Lorain, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson and Tuscarawas. Across these 8 counties, United Way of Summit & Medina staff answered 100,996 calls, and 1,971 texts and emails.
211 also provides community leaders and stakeholders with real-time information on changing needs throughout its service area, available at 211counts.org. Statistics from 2024 show rising demand for housing assistance, a resource that, because of limited available, also represents the greatest unmet need among 211 callers in Summit and Medina counties
“The landscape of need across our community changes every day,” said Annie McFadden, interim president and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina. “And every day, 211 operators are responding to calls, learning about each caller’s specific situation, and directing them to, in many cases, lifechanging help. In a time when vulnerable populations face rapidly changing circumstances, 211 is a dependable, constant source of support. It’s a vital program, and it depends on community support to stay operational. I encourage anyone in our community who believes that people in need should have a place to turn to for help to support our 211.”
To support 211 services in Summit and Medina Counties, visit uwsummitmedina.org/givenow