As Congress considers a fourth COVID-19 economic relief package, United Way Worldwide and AIRS are partnering to ask Congress to provide $150 million in emergency funding for 211. This letter is for organizational sign-ons only. See the letter below and sign on for your organization:

Dear Members of Congress,

On behalf of the network of agencies that provide 211 services across the United States, we request an emergency appropriation of $150 million to build 211’s capacity to respond to millions of calls from Americans in need of health and financial assistance and support during and long after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission designated the three-digit N11 number 211 in July of 2000 for purposes of “community information and referral services” (FCC 00-256). Similar to 911, callers can dial 211 to speak with a trained community resource specialist to learn about public and private community, health, and human services available in the community. There are currently 200 211s in the U.S. that collectively serve 96% of the US population. Last year, 211 made more than 14 million connections to social services for people in need, including 4.3 million to reduce and prevent homelessness and 1.2 million to reduce hunger and food insecurity.

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the U.S., 211s have been fielding 300-400%, on average, more calls than usual. Most calls are from people who need financial assistance, food, and housing. There are several ways that 211 is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Currently, 31 Governors are directing residents to 211 for information on the COVID-19 virus and to access financial supports, and we expect that number to increase.
• 211 is playing a vital role in several states’ contact tracing and self-quarantining protocols, supporting individuals in quarantine and helping public health officials conduct contact tracing surveying.
• 211 is connecting 50,000-70,000 people per day to resources like food and utility assistance, unemployment insurance and financial stability programs, and child care and health care services.
• 211’s 24/7/365 service off-loads volume from the emergency 911 system and helps keep families and communities whole and informed in times of disaster and crisis such as wildfires and tornadoes.

Based on call volume trends throughout the pandemic thus far, we anticipate a sustained increase in demand for support from 211 throughout the next 6-12 months well beyond the current capacity of the 211 system. Our request for $150M will fund critical staff and technology enhancements to increase the network’s capacity and efficiency to help meet the demand.

The funds can be distributed equitably through a direct line via United Way Worldwide from the budgets of FEMA or CDC Operations, or another appropriate funding mechanism. United Way Worldwide has invested in a dedicated 211 team, and has experience administering federal dollars, as the fiscal agent and secretariat for the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

This is an extraordinary crisis. United Way and the 211s we operate and fund are prepared to rise to the occasion, but we need your help to meet the moment. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,