211 Kansas Celebrates 20 Years of Connecting Residents to Essential Community Resources in Time of Need

WICHITA, Kan., June 16, 2026 — For 20 years, 211 Information and Referral Service has helped Kansans find the local support they need to navigate life’s challenges. During that time, the service has connected residents to community resources more than 1.75 million times, helping individuals and families build stability and thrive. United Way of the Plains marked the two-decade milestone with a community reception and ribbon-cutting event today.

Powered by United Way of the Plains, 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that helps Kansans navigate crisis and uncertainty by connecting them to support close to home for needs related to food, housing, healthcare, employment, education, and more. Available in 98 of 105 Kansas counties, 211 is the most comprehensive source of information for local resources and services, with more than 3,000 government and nonprofit organizations and programs in its database.

In 2025, the most requested needs through 211 were food pantries, homeless shelters, low-income or subsidized housing, rent assistance, and utility assistance. These requests reflect the ongoing challenges many Kansas households face and the vital role 211 plays in helping residents access essential support.

“For 20 years, 211 has been more than a phone number. It has been a lifeline for Kansans seeking answers, support, and hope,” said Michele Grimm, United Way of the Plains Director of 211. “Every connection represents a person or family taking a step toward stability, and we’re grateful to the partners and supporters who have made those connections possible.”

The 211 hotline is supported by a team of resource navigators who provide expert, caring help. They listen to an individual’s situation and connect them with services to meet their unique needs.

The service works in partnership with 911 and 988 to provide holistic care for Kansas residents. By addressing questions related to health and human services, 211 helps keep 911 available for emergencies and 988 for mental health care. In addition to helping residents meet everyday needs, 211 also serves as a trusted source of information during disasters and community emergencies, helping communities respond to tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, and public health crises like COVID.

“211 exists because of the collective commitment of partners across Kansas who believe everyone should be able to find help when they need it,” said Pete Najera, president and CEO of United Way of the Plains. “Government agencies, businesses, and individual supporters have invested in this service for two decades, making it possible for millions of Kansans to access critical resources and support close to home.”

What began as a phone-based hotline has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the community. Today, Kansans looking for help can access 211 four ways:

• Search the online resource database anytime at 211Kansas.org
• Interact with a resource navigator Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
  • Dial 2-1-1.
  • Text your ZIP code to 898-211 to have referrals sent to your phone.
  • Chat online at unitedayplains.org/211.

Learn more at unitedwayplains.org/211.

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MEDIA ASSETS: To download photos from today’s celebration event and b-roll of 211, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Bryan Ramsdale, Manager of Digital Content Creation, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4103, bramsdale@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in south-central Kansas can reach their full potential. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.