From United Way of Greater Toledo
United Way of Greater Toledo will celebrate 211 Day and 211 Week from Feb. 11 – 13, with a series of community events designed to recognize the life-changing impact of 211, a free, confidential information and referral service available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat.
The 211 service connects individuals and families to essential community resources, including food, clothing, childcare, housing, healthcare, and more. While 99% of the U.S. population has access to 211, not all Ohioans are covered due to a lack of state funding. United Way of Greater Toledo locally funds and manages the 211 service for Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, and 13 additional counties in northwest Ohio, helping to ensure residents have access to vital support when they need it most.
“211 is often the first call people make when they don’t know where to turn,” said Wendy Pestrue, CEO, United Way of Greater Toledo. “211 Week is an opportunity to recognize the incredible work of our Community Resource Advisors and to raise awareness about how this service strengthens our entire community.”
Community fundraising breakfast – Feb. 11
United Way of Greater Toledo will kick off 211 Week with a community fundraising breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 8 – 10 a.m., at Maumee Bay Brewing Company Warehouse, 27 Broadway St., downtown Toledo.
The breakfast will spotlight the community partnerships that make 211 possible, celebrating the collaborative network of nonprofits, businesses, and public-sector partners working together to connect individuals and families to vital services. At the heart of this network are 211 Community Resource Advisors (CRAs) – the trained professionals who serve as a trusted, compassionate point of connection for people seeking help.
In 2025, through the strength of these partnerships and the dedication of CRAs, more than 80,000 referrals were made to critical resources across the region. Attendees will learn how cross-sector collaboration strengthens 211, hear examples of partnership-driven impact, and explore ways to help sustain and grow this community service locally.
Community learning lab – Feb. 13
On Friday, Feb. 13, United Way of Greater Toledo will host a community learning lab from 8:30 a.m. – noon at Owens Community College, Veterans Hall, 363 Depot Road, Perrysburg.
This half-day, in-depth training is open to service providers and community members interested in learning more about 211 and the social services landscape. Topics include ALICE or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed; an overview of 211; the state of the social services sector; emergency response coordination; and advocacy in today’s climate. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how 211 supports individuals and strengthens systems across northwest Ohio.
211 Week digital scavenger hunt
Throughout 211 Week, community members can also participate in a digital scavenger hunt at https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/211-scavenger-hunt-2/.
This interactive activity teaches participants how to navigate the 211 database – similar to the tools used by CRAs. By completing the scavenger hunt, participants will gain basic skills to help themselves or others find health and human services, while always being encouraged to connect directly with trained CRAs via call, text, or chat.
About 211
The 211 service is a free, anonymous information and referral service available 24/7, similar to 911 for emergencies and 988 for mental health crises. Locally managed by United Way of Greater Toledo, 211 connects individuals to more than 800 organizations and 2,300 programs, including disaster relief, eviction prevention, legal assistance, tax preparation, job opportunities, and access to food, clothing, and shelter. Translation services are available, and CRAs work to identify underlying needs to support long-term solutions.
The 211 Week events and activities are sponsored by UToledo Health, Hollywood Casino, Focus CFO, Eastman & Smith, Genoa Bank, The Andersons Inc., Zepf Center, and Mercy Health, with venue sponsors Maumee Bay Brewing Company and Owens Community College.
For more information about 211, United Way of Greater Toledo, or to register for 211 Week events, visit www.unitedwaytoledo.org/events/211-week/.
Additional information about 211 services is available at www.211nwo.org.
