Tomorrow, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) will recognize National 211 Day, celebrating the impact of this nationwide network, while highlighting the essential services UWM’s 211 Helpline provides across Nebraska, Iowa and beyond.

As part of this system, the 211 Helpline serves as a vital local resource, helping individuals and families in our region navigate challenges and find support. In its last fiscal year, UWM’s 211 Helpline responded to more than 315,000 contacts – with 216,000 of those contacts originating in Nebraska. Demand continues to grow in 2026. In January alone, 211 Community Resource Specialists responded to an average of 1,450 calls each week from Nebraska. On January 21, the Helpline received more than 1,000 calls in a single day from across the coverage area — reflecting both the urgency of need and the trust people place in 211 during times of uncertainty.

“The 211 Helpline provides connections and support for those who need help and don’t know where to turn,” said Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO, United Way of the Midlands. “On 211 Day, and every day, we are so grateful for our many Community Resource Specialists and the amazing work they do to support this lifeline that is helping thousands of our neighbors in need.”

Across Nebraska and Iowa, the most common needs addressed by 211 are housing and utility assistance, followed by income support, food insecurity and transportation. During the SNAP delays in late 2025, 211 partnered with the City of Omaha and Mayor John Ewing to provide critical food supports — with 1 in 4 calls during that period including a food need.

With connections to more than 4,000 agencies and 10,000 programs, the 211 Helpline serves as critical infrastructure for resource navigation, as well as the backbone for community initiatives including Save Our Seniors, the Military and Family Helpline and 211 Nebraska Warmline. These community programs rely on 211’s trusted systems and trained specialists to deliver targeted support to older adults, military families and more.

Individuals can get help by dialing 2-1-1, texting their ZIP code to 898211, or visiting UWM211.org to search a free, confidential database of local services. Free and confidential assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year, in more than 240 languages using the tele-interpreter service and bilingual staff.

###

About United Way of the Midlands:  Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.

About the 211 Helpline:  Serving Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, the 211 Helpline is a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance. Powered by United Way of the Midlands, 211 is a point of contact and referral source for thousands of health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and more for those in need of help. For assistance dial 211, text 898211 or visit UWM211.org.