During last month’s winter storm, 200 people across eastern Oklahoma found shelter after calling 211, said Alison Anthony, president and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way.
It’s a nationwide free and confidential hotline locally operated by United Way — serving 37 counties in eastern Oklahoma and connecting them with community resources. But to really serve Oklahomans best, Anthony says they need state funding.
“We want it to be best in class, but it’s difficult when you’re having to raise every money to both run the service and fund the resources,” she said.
Feb. 11 is nationally recognized as 211 Day to raise awareness about the hotline. More than 264,000 eastern Oklahomans sought help from 211 in 2025, mostly for things like housing, utilities and food assistance. 211 can also connect callers with mental health, legal, employment, transportation and family resources.
Anthony says 211 was struggling before the United Way took over in 2023. The hotline lost its state funding in 2016, leading to fewer staff and higher wait times. While it’s stabilized more since then, two state bills aim to further fund outreach initiatives and new technology.
But passing Senate Bill 1290 and House Bill 4095 might be challenging, according to Anthony. Major federal funding cuts are forcing states to fill the gaps.
“I would have been very optimistic, but I know that the state leaders are going to be making really tough choices,” Anthony said.
She expects calls to increase this year as threats to funding for food assistance and mental health continue. Anthony also anticipates a rise in calls from immigrant and refugee communities. In many ways, she says, 211 can help fill the gaps.
While 211 calls are confidential, hotline operators can track data on what resources people need most and where. Local lawmakers can then know where the gaps are in their communities. On the flip side, United Way can also help direct people who’d like to donate or give help.
With more funding, Anthony hopes her organization can send people out to have those kinds of conversations.
“And hopefully, you know, it becomes as synonymous as people have 911 in their brain,” Anthony said.
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