United Way of Greater Houston marked 2-1-1 Day with a powerful community briefing that underscored both the scale of need across the region and the transformative power of a simple three-digit call. The event, Voices of the Community, brought together media representatives, nonprofit partners, public officials and community leaders to spotlight how 2-1-1 serves as a lifeline for millions of Greater Houston residents.
The federally designated 2-1-1 helpline is free, confidential and available 24/7, connecting callers to housing assistance, food access, utility support, transportation and mental health services. United Way of Greater Houston operates one of the largest 2-1-1 systems in the nation, facilitating more than one million connections annually. Every call is answered by a real, live specialist trained to assess needs and connect individuals to trusted community resources. Beyond basic necessities, 2-1-1 also links residents to disaster recovery support, employment and financial assistance, crisis response, childcare and education resources, and veterans services.
Amanda McMillian, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, welcomed a full house to the briefing, emphasizing that behind every data point is a person seeking stability and hope. Houston City Council Member Twila Carter delivered a heartfelt testimony, reflecting on her childhood experiences of relying on food stamps and frequently moving due to financial hardship. Her story served as a reminder that today’s callers to 2-1-1 may be tomorrow’s leadersand that access to timely support can change the trajectory of a life.
Aarti Goswami, Assistant Vice President of Community Outreach for the 2-1-1 program, shared a few major advancements aimed at strengthening community response. Three newly launched specialized dashboards will enhance how data is used to deploy resources and shape policy. The 2-1-1 Disaster Dashboard helps identify vulnerable populations and guide resource deployment during emergencies. The 2-1-1 Food Insecurity Dashboard, soft-launched during the October 2025 government shutdown and changes in SNAP benefits, tracks trends and emerging food access needs. The 2-1-1 Legislative Dashboard allows users to search top community needs by district, equipping lawmakers with actionable insights to target assistance where it is needed most.
A key highlight of the briefing was the evolution of the United Way Strike Team. First piloted after Hurricane Harvey, the Strike Team was created to respond rapidly and guide families and individuals facing immediate crisis. Through funding secured by the Building Possibilities Campaign, United Way expanded the effort into a comprehensive two-year pilot. In 2024, the Strike Team played a critical role in disaster response following the April flooding, the May Derecho event and Hurricane Beryl in July.
In 2025, the team shifted toward both preparedness and strategic response—supporting Harris County Housing & Community Development’s efforts during the February refugee housing crisis and assisting the Houston Food Bank during the October government shutdown and its impact on November SNAP benefits. The team has since expanded and transitioned out of its pilot phase to become a permanent program, strengthening the region’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.
Attendees also heard recorded calls demonstrating the human impact of 2-1-1 and reviewed 2025 data trends revealing persistent challenges in housing affordability and food insecurity. Residents needing assistance can dial 2-1-1, text ZIP to 898211, or visit 211texas.org for confidential help in more than 350 languages—because 2-1-1 is more than a number; it is a direct connection to hope and stability. – Kim Floyd
