United Way of Rhode Island says 211 calls at ‘alarming level’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The United Way of Rhode Island said that ahead of National 211 Day, Feb. 11, it wants to raise awareness of calls to the helpline have risen to an “alarming level.”

The organization said that the total number of calls is higher than pre-pandemic levels, and that among the 188,215 contacts handled in 2023 by trained call specialists, 66,279 were for senior and disability services.

The United way said the two highest struggles callers are having are with basic needs for housing and food.

“211 is not only the statewide front door that connects our fellow Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs, it is a real-time barometer of social need in our state,” President and CEO Cortney Nicolato said. “And we need to remember that these numbers we’re talking about represent our neighbors and real, tangible needs in our state. What 211 represents is that it’s an invaluable public utility service for Rhode Island.”