Houston – As the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise, more families across the Greater Houston area are feeling the pressure. Bills that used to feel manageable can now become overwhelming.
That’s why every Houstonian needs to know about 211.
The United Way of Greater Houston’s 211 Helpline is a free, confidential service that connects people to real support in their communities 24/7.
on Houston Life, Aarti Goswami, assistant vice president of community outreach for United Way of Greater Houston, shared just how significant the local demand has become.
United Way’s 211 operates through an area information center that serves 33 counties. In 2025 alone, the helpline received more than one million connections in that service area. That number reflects that people aren’t just calling during major emergencies; they’re calling because the strain of daily life is getting harder to carry.
A common theme Goswami emphasized is that many people are initially hesitant to reach out. Sometimes they feel embarrassed. Sometimes they assume resources won’t be available. Other times, they simply don’t know what exists. 211 is designed to change that.
In Greater Houston, callers are often deciding between:
- Buying groceries or paying bills
- Paying rent or keeping the lights on
Older adults are particularly vulnerable. Many people 60 and older live on fixed incomes that do not rise at the same pace as inflation, leaving them forced to make daily tradeoffs.
What happens when you call 211?
Calling 211 connects you with a highly trained specialist who listens to your situation and asks questions in a way that is meant to be respectful and not invasive.
United Way’s 211 draws from a statewide database of resources that includes more than 80,000 services. When someone calls, 211 can locate support options in their local community, based on what’s available and relevant.
Another important part of the process: when someone calls with one need, there are often two or three additional needs beneath the surface. 211 specialists are trained to help identify those underlying challenges and connect people to multiple forms of support when possible.
Consistently, some of the top needs include:
- Rent and utility assistance
- Food programs and services
- Transportation assistance
- Mortgage assistance
- Housing services
- Child care support
- Caregiver resources for older adults
While calling is often the fastest way to speak with someone directly, 211 is accessible in multiple ways:
- Call 211 for assistance
- Visit www.unitedwayhouston.org to search resources
- Use online chat options (available through the website)
Goswami also shared that 211 can provide support in more than 350 languages, helping ensure that language is not a barrier to getting help.
February 11 is recognized as 211 Day, but the need for support doesn’t follow a calendar. United Way’s message is clear: if you’re struggling, you are not alone—and help is available 24/7/365.
Sometimes the hardest part is making that first call. But it can also be the first step toward stability.