Celebrating 211 Day: A Lifeline for Our Community
On February 11, 2025, United Way of North Central New Mexico hosted a special press conference to celebrate 211 Day, recognizing the impact of the 211 Helpline and announcing its official proclamations at the city and state levels. This event highlighted the critical role that 211 plays in connecting individuals with essential resources, and we were honored to share this moment with our partners, community leaders, and dedicated 211 team members.
A Day of Recognition and Gratitude
The event, graciously hosted at Presbyterian Health Plan, our top corporate sponsor for the 211 Helpline, brought together key community figures to emphasize the importance of this vital service. The 211 Helpline is the most comprehensive source of reliable information on local resources, linking people to over 1.6 million programs across the nation.
UWNCNM has been committed to administering the 211 Helpline to serve the needs of individuals in our five-county region. This year, we took an important step forward in our advocacy efforts by partnering with the City of Albuquerque to increase awareness and secure a formal proclamation recognizing February 11 as 211 Day.
Official Proclamation of 211 Day
A representative from the Mayor’s Office, Zoé Otero-Martinez, joined us at the press conference to present the City of Albuquerque’s official proclamation of 211 Day. She shared the city’s enthusiasm for the continued partnership with UWNCNM, emphasizing how 211 strengthens the Albuquerque community by providing critical support for residents in need.
This milestone was a moment to reflect on the history and growth of 211 in New Mexico. The first calls to the helpline were answered in 1983, and in 2000, the Federal Communications Commission officially designated 211 as the nationwide number for health, human, and social service referrals. Since then, the helpline has expanded across the state, reaching both urban and rural communities and ensuring that individuals in need have access to vital resources and support.
What is 211?
The 211 Helpline serves as a trusted referral service, connecting individuals with health and human services, government agencies, and community-based organizations. Whether someone needs food assistance, housing support, or help navigating a crisis, 211 provides immediate access to the help they need.
The Growing Need for 211 Services
The 211 Helpline has become an essential resource for individuals facing hardship, particularly in recent years. In 2024 alone, our 211 community navigators answered over 19,000 calls—an 80% increase from the previous year—resulting in over 21,000 referrals to health and human services, government agencies, and community-based organizations. The most frequently cited needs among callers include:
Housing and rental assistance
Utility support
Food insecurity
Beyond referrals, the helpline also connects individuals to specialized services, such as free tax preparation through Tax Help New Mexico and crisis support at the Family Advocacy Center for victims of interpersonal violence.
A Call to Action
Our work doesn’t stop here. The demand for 211 services continues to grow, and we need your support to expand our reach and help even more individuals navigate life’s challenges. By donating to the 211 Helpline, you can ensure that families in need have access to vital resources and support.
Together, we can strengthen our community and provide a safety net for those in crisis.