211 Caregiver Support Program Expands to Aid Iowa Families

United Way of Central Iowa is proud to announce the expansion of the 211 Caregiver Support Program to Iowa, thanks to a national partnership between AARP and United Way Worldwide. This initiative brings much-needed support to the estimated 330,000 Iowans who care for adult loved ones—often without pay, training, or adequate resources.

Originally launched in 2021, the Caregiver Support Program connects caregivers to essential local services through the 211 helpline. With its recent expansion into 10 additional states, including Iowa, the program is now available in 25 states and Puerto Rico.

“211 is a critical service in Iowa, ensuring that individuals and families can access essential resources when they need them most,” said Erin Davison-Rippey, Senior Community Impact Officer at United Way of Central Iowa. “By offering personalized support and connecting caregivers to local and national resources, the 211 helpline and the Caregiver Support Program will help Iowans navigate the challenges of caregiving with greater confidence, dignity, and hope.”

Through a simple call to 211, caregivers are connected with trained Community Resource Specialists who provide:

• Referrals to local services such as transportation, food delivery, home safety, respite care, and veterans’ benefits.
• Support for caregivers’ own needs, including housing, employment, and emotional well-being.
• Access to AARP’s caregiving tools and guides tailored to individual situations.

The program takes a holistic approach, recognizing that caregiving often intersects with broader challenges like housing instability, food insecurity, and financial stress. Many caregivers don’t identify with the term “caregiver,” which can prevent them from seeking help. This program aims to break down those barriers and ensure that all caregivers, especially those in underserved communities, can access the support they need.

In Iowa, 211 is funded by United Way of Central Iowa and serves as a free, confidential, 24/7 resource available in more than 180 languages. This expansion strengthens our commitment to supporting caregivers and building a thriving community for all central Iowans.

To learn more about 211 or to access caregiver support, dial 211 or visit 211iowa.org.