United Way 211 Missouri
Last updated August 2026
When you do not know which Missouri program to call, dial 2-1-1. United Way 211 is a free connection to health and human-service resources near you, staffed by trained resource specialists. Reach it by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 1-800-427-4626, any hour; the phone line is available 24/7.
There is more than one way in. You can also text 1-800-427-4626 or chat online, though text and chat run weekdays 9 to 5, unlike the around-the-clock phone line. A searchable directory at 211helps.org lets you find resources without calling. A TTY line for deaf or hard-of-hearing callers is 866-385-6525.
The referrals cover the needs that pile up together: utility assistance, food and food-security programs, and general resource referrals, drawn from a large nonprofit database. During heat advisories, 211 helps locate cooling sites.
It reaches past the basics too, supporting free tax preparation, family caregiver support, and disaster relief referrals. The service covers Missouri and parts of Illinois, routing you to programs in your local area.
Know what 211 is and is not. It refers; it does not pay bills itself. The value is knowing which local agencies and funds near you have money or open intake right now, which changes month to month.
Pair 211 with the statewide front doors: mydss.mo.gov for SNAP, cash, and MO HealthNet, and your regional legal aid program for housing help. For a suicidal or mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any hour.
Phone 1-800-427-4626
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Available to everyone in Missouri; dial 2-1-1, call 1-800-427-4626, or use TTY 1-866-385-6525
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Dial 2-1-1, or 1-800-427-4626, any hour (the phone line is 24/7).
- 2
Or text 1-800-427-4626 or chat weekdays 9 to 5, or search 211helps.org any time.
- 3
Give your zip code and a one-sentence version of what you need.
- 4
Write down each referral's name, number, and hours before hanging up.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Is Missouri 211 free, and what are its hours?
Yes, free and confidential. The phone line (2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626) is available 24/7; text and online chat run weekdays 9 to 5.
What can 211 help with?
Utility assistance, food programs, cooling sites during heat advisories, free tax prep, caregiver support, disaster relief, and general referrals.
Can 211 pay my rent or utility bill?
No. It refers you to the local agencies and funds that can. Its value is knowing which ones near you have money or open intake right now.
What if my crisis is a mental health emergency?
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any hour. Keep 2-1-1 for food, housing, and utility help.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Missouri programs →Free · Private · No account needed