Toledo, OH — United Way of Greater Toledo will celebrate 211 Day and 211 Week from February 11–13, 2026, with a series of community events designed to recognize the life-changing impact of 211, a free, confidential information and referral service available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat.
211 connects individuals and families to essential community resources, including food, clothing, childcare, housing, healthcare, and more. While 99% of the U.S. population has access to 211, not all Ohioans are covered due to a lack of state funding. United Way of Greater Toledo locally funds and manages the 211 service for Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, and thirteen additional counties in Northwest Ohio, ensuring residents have access to vital support when they need it most.
“211 is often the first call people make when they don’t know where to turn,” said Wendy Pestrue, CEO, United Way of Greater Toledo. “211 Week is an opportunity to recognize the incredible work of our Community Resource Advisors and to raise awareness about how this service strengthens our entire community.”
United Way of Greater Toledo will kick off 211 Week with a Community Fundraising Breakfast on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. at Maumee Bay Brewing Company Warehouse, located at 27 Broadway Street in downtown Toledo.
The breakfast will spotlight the community partnerships that make 211 possible, celebrating the collaborative network of nonprofits, businesses, and public-sector partners working together to connect individuals and families to vital services. At the heart of this network are 211 Community Resource Advisors (CRAs)—the trained professionals who serve as a trusted, compassionate point of connection for people seeking help.
In 2025, through the strength of these partnerships and the dedication of CRAs, more than 80,000 referrals were made to critical resources across our region. Attendees will learn how cross-sector collaboration strengthens 211, hear examples of partnership-driven impact, and explore ways to help sustain and grow this essential community service locally.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, United Way of Greater Toledo will host a Community Learning Lab from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Owens Community College, Veterans Hall, 363 Depot Road in Perrysburg.
This half-day, in-depth training is open to service providers and community members interested in learning more about 211 and the social services landscape. Topics include ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), an overview of 211, the state of the social services sector, emergency response coordination, and advocacy in today’s climate. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how 211 supports individuals and strengthens systems across Northwest Ohio.
Throughout 211 Week, community members can also participate in a Digital Scavenger Hunt at
https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/211-scavenger-hunt-2/
This interactive activity teaches participants how to navigate the 211 database—similar to the tools used by Community Resource Advisors. By completing the scavenger hunt, participants will gain basic skills to help themselves or others find health and human services, while always being encouraged to connect directly with trained CRAs via call, text, or chat.
211 is a free, anonymous information and referral service available 24/7, similar to 911 for emergencies and 988 for mental health crises. Locally managed by United Way of Greater Toledo, 211 connects individuals to more than 800 organizations and 2,300 programs, including disaster relief, eviction prevention, legal assistance, tax preparation, job opportunities, and access to food, clothing, and shelter. Translation services are available, and CRAs work to identify underlying needs to support long-term solutions.
211 Week events and activities are sponsored by UToledo Health, Hollywood Casino, Focus CFO, Eastman & Smith, Genoa Bank, The Andersons, Inc., Zepf Center, and Mercy Health, with venue sponsors Maumee Bay Brewing Company and Owens Community College.
For more information about 211, United Way of Greater Toledo, or to register for 211 Week events, visit
www.unitedwaytoledo.org/events/211-week/
Additional information about 211 services is available at
www.211nwo.org
Together, we harness the collective strength of our community to improve lives. United Way of Greater Toledo connects a global network to neighborhoods across Northwest Ohio. Serving residents of Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood Counties since 1918, we are one of the region’s longest-standing charitable organizations—trusted, innovative, collaborative, and accountable. Your contributions make a direct impact on neighbors right here at home.
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