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Celebrating National 211 Day: Vital Lifeline for Central Iowa Residents

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February 11 (2/11) is National 211 Day—an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7 three-digit (2-1-1) resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada—including those across central Iowa. The three-digit service connects information about resources and services available in one’s community. This year, in celebration of February 11 “211 Day” Governor Kim Reynolds issued a proclamation to acknowledge February 2025 as 211 month in the State of Iowa.
 
Based on the latest 211 Impact Survey Data, 211 handled over 20 million requests in total last year, and in central Iowa, 211 responded to over 22,500 calls, texts and emails in 2024, resulting in over 35,000 referrals to help people in the community access support for immediate or long-term challenges. 
 
211 is a vital resource leveraged by central Iowa residents who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing, utility payment, veteran services, childcare and other related needs. Other key facts about 211:

  • 211 is 24/7, free and confidential and accessible in 99% of communities
  • 211 is offered in over 180 languages
  • 211 specialists offer empathetic, non-judgmental care—and these trained specialists connect individuals and families to a range of available resources to meet their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.  
“211 is an unparalleled, critical, go-to service that provides connection and support to those who need help for a range of needs,” said Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. “During 211 Day, we aim to express appreciation to the call specialists who provide support to help our community members and celebrate this lifeline that is helping thousands here in central Iowa.”  

The Wells Fargo Foundation is proud to support 211 in Iowa as a 2025 program sponsor, helping ensure that individuals and families can continue to access essential resources when they need them most.

211 Iowa has been a critical partner in responding to state emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 211 served as Iowa's COVID-19 hotline and Vaccine Navigator, fielding record-breaking call volumes. After natural disasters like the derecho in 2020, and the tornados in 2024, 211 was activated to provide disaster recovery support, delivering real-time updates on utility restoration and connecting Iowans with essential services. 
 
During 211 Day, United Way of Central Iowa encourages residents in central Iowa to:

  • Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211, or visit 211Iowa.org to connect with a live specialist or search resources.
  • Download the 211 Iowa app for instant access to services.  
  • Share 211 with neighbors, family, and friends to connect others to support.
  • Advocate to local policymakers about the importance of strengthening 211.

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