United Way Bay Area operates helpline services across the region, connecting people in over 150 languages to emergency housing, food assistance and health care resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

When a power outage plunged one-third of San Francisco into darkness last week, residents turned to 211 for help finding warming centers, updates on service restoration, and accessing emergency resources. 

It was the same story in November when CalFresh food benefits were delayed due to the government shutdown — 5.5 million Californians didn’t have enough money to buy groceries. As fear of widespread hunger mounted, California officials had a consistent message: call 211 to find help. 

The California Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Social Services, along with county agencies and elected leaders, directed residents to the three-digit helpline. Even the California Association of Food Banks, facing unprecedented demand, told hungry families to dial 211 to find their nearest food bank.

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But because California’s state budget doesn’t fund it, the Bay Area’s 211 helpline is in crisis. We’re answering 50,000 calls and texts a year on outdated technology, without enough funding for demand that’s risen 40% over the past six years.

At United Way Bay........

© San Francisco Chronicle