CINCINNATI (Feb. 5, 2026) – Communities across the country recognize 211 Day on Feb. 11 (2/11), and as such, United Way of Greater Cincinnati is highlighting the impact of its 211 helpline, which answers more than 50,000 requests for assistance annually. According to a new report, those connections translate into meaningful returns for the region, with 211 resource referrals by phone generating an estimated $7.4 million in community benefits.
“United Way 211 is one of the most powerful connectors in our community, linking people from every background to help when they need it most,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “Thanks to our supporters and partners, we’ve invested in transformational platform updates so our team can connect families to services more efficiently and more effectively than ever before.”
About 211
Established in 2000 by the Federal Communications Commission as the three-digit number to reach information and referral services for health, human and social organizations, today 211 is a resource for help and hope in communities across North America.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati operates the 211 service for most of our region, including seven counties in Southwest Ohio and four in Northern Kentucky.
Help is available 24/7. Resource Navigators are trained to listen, engage, ask questions, assess needs and connect people to community resources from United Way’s large database of local providers. The database is also available online at uwgc211.org to quickly connect those in need to the most appropriate resources for their situation.
Top United Way 211 Requests
- Housing
- Utility relief
- Income support
Return on Investment
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Center for Resource and Data considered United Way’s 211 operating budget and call data and determined that every $1 dollar invested in 211 yields $3 worth of community services.
“A strong community and a strong economy go hand in hand,” said Brendon Cull, CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “By efficiently connecting people to housing, utility and other essential supports, United Way 211 strengthens stability, reduces strain on public systems and generates a strong return on investment for the entire community.”
The partnership behind the report was encouraged by United Way’s 2025 Campaign Chair, Candace McGraw, immediate past CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
“I saw a natural connection between the Cincinnati Chamber’s data-driven work and United Way’s 211, which captures real-time insight into community needs and gaps in support,” said McGraw. “United Way brings stakeholders together to tackle our region’s toughest challenges, and the Chamber is a natural partner to elevate that work through shared data and purpose.”
Additional Resources
- Report: The Return on Investment of United Way 211
- 211 Testimonial
- United Way 211 online database
