February 11 is National 211 Day—a day to celebrate the impact of 211 Utah connecting people to the help they need. Supported and run by United Ways of Utah (United Way of Salt Lake, United Way of Northern Utah, and United Way of Central and Southern Utah), 211 Utah is the single access point to more than 3,000 providers offering more than 10,000 health and human services to Utahns in crisis or difficult circumstances. The top five needs requested by Utahns last year were housing, utility assistance, food and meals, transportation, and income support. In 2025, our Service Navigators connected people to vital services and resources through 70,395 referrals.
In addition to interacting directly with clients, the 211 Utah team builds strong relationships with partners and service providers to maintain our extensive database and streamline access to services. Collaboration between service providers, health systems, and state agencies facilitates quicker progress toward self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on long-term public assistance programs. Together, we’re creating a more efficient, comprehensive, and cost-effective approach to community support and system navigation.
Navigating a Better Path Forward
We’ve learned that simply providing information isn’t enough. 211 Utah has evolved to offer comprehensive service navigation—providing continued follow-ups and one-on-one support to help clients navigate complex systems. Our highly trained, compassionate Service Navigators identify potential barriers and develop creative solutions tailored to each client’s unique situation. They follow up with clients to confirm they’ve successfully accessed the services needed and adjust plans as necessary.
Nico is a Service Navigator for 211 Utah. He emphasized the importance of active listening and asking questions to better understand a client’s entire situation. “They might be calling to get housing help, but then they explain a little bit about their situation,” Nico said. “They may be unemployed or struggling with utilities or health care, so I am able to increase the scope of options I could offer to them. It’s not only about solving their housing concerns, because everything is connected.”
Jason is a 211 Service Navigator who specializes in issues related to housing. With the Utah housing market ranking among the top 10 most expensive in the country, it’s no surprise that housing was the most requested need by 211 Utah clients in 2025—comprising 31% of all requests. “If someone is behind on rent, or has an eviction notice, or is experiencing homelessness, I try my best to help them and get folks housed at least temporarily until they can find something more permanent,” Jason said. “We follow up and if what we offered didn’t quite work, then we can try and find some other solution to get them where they need to go.”
This hands-on approach makes all the difference. When Service Navigators develop deeper, longer-lasting relationships with people and help them overcome barriers to accessing care, we see significantly better outcomes.
Ready When Disaster Strikes
211 Utah is also prepared to activate and provide relief in times of disaster or emergency. Over the years, 211 Utah has stepped up to support other 211s across the country through the United Way Worldwide network. For example, during the devastating wildfires on Maui in August 2023 and the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025, 211 Utah team members supported Aloha United Way 211 and 211 LA to manage increased call volumes. They stepped up to offer care coordination for survivors and people who were displaced or otherwise impacted by the fires.
In October and November 2025, United Way of Salt Lake, United Way of Northern Utah, and United Way of Central and Southern Utah partnered to create the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund to help Utahns impacted by the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. An estimated 40,000 federal employees living in Utah were furloughed or working without pay, and the federal funding lapse left upwards of 86,000 households without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The relief fund bolstered local organizations that supported families affected by the shutdown and helped provide essential resources and support through the 211 Navigation Center.
In addition to providing community support during disasters and emergencies, data from 211 Utah can serve as a real-time crisis indicator. Information about call volumes, caller ZIP codes, and the types of assistance requested provides a state-wide gauge of community wellbeing during moments of elevated need.
Support 211 Utah
Your support helps Utahns in need access vital resources. Donate to 211 Utah so more people can receive help with ease and dignity.
We are also seeking a state appropriation during the 2026 legislative session to continue and expand vital services provided by 211 Utah. Sign up for Action Alerts and subscribe to our Policy Matters newsletter to stay up to date on our advocacy efforts.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing difficult circumstances, dial 211 or visit 211utah.org. It’s free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
Written by Jenna Fischer, Content Strategist
