FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- The City of Sanibel, the City of Fort Myers and Lee County recently recognized Feb. 11 as 211 Day, acknowledging the vital work United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is doing through its 211 helpline.

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades started the helpline in 2003 as an around-the-clock resource for residents in the three-county area. 211 serves as a central hub for callers to receive personalized connections to resources they need for food insecurity, housing and utility concerns, homelessness, health care, emergency resources and more.

"Having elected officials like Sanibel Councilwoman Laura DeBruce, Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson and Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka proclaim February 11 as 211 Day means more people will turn to this resource in times of need," said Jeannine Joy, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades president and CEO. "The more members of our community who call 211 in times of need, the better we can assist them through their situation."

In 2025, 45,365 individuals and families were assisted by the 211 helpline. Most callers needed assistance with rent or utility payments, food insecurity, or homelessness. Over 1,600 veterans and veteran families contacted 211 for similar assistance.

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During public health emergencies and severe weather, Lee County Emergency Management activates the 211 helpline as the community's Emergency Information Hotline, providing up-to-date and accurate information on top of its usual services.

For more information about United Way's 211 helpline, visit UnitedWayLee.org/211 (https://www.unitedwaylee.org/211).

Photo captions:

(1) United Way staff accepts a 211 Day proclamation from the City of Fort Myers

(2) United Way staff accepts a 211 Day proclamation from Lee County

(3) United Way staff accepts a 211 Day proclamation from the City of Sanibel

About United Way

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $272 million since its establishment in 1957, with all funds staying local to support a vast network of partner agencies and community programs. Together, we serve the community by nurturing youth, strengthening families, helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering neighborhoods by delivering essential health and human services. Visit UnitedWayLee.org (https://www.unitedwaylee.org/) to learn more.