Calls for help across Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes have spiked sharply, pushing 211 services to their limits in recent weeks.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes announced it is providing $150,000 in emergency funding to help sustain 211 services as community need continues to rise. The investment aims to keep access open for food, housing, health care, and other essential resources.
United Way reported a 180 percent increase in 211 calls over a single weekend, with call volume jumping from 316 to 573. Demand has continued to grow since then, with similar trends appearing in surrounding counties. At the same time, reduced federal funding has strained staffing at partner agencies, leading to longer wait times.
To stabilize operations, United Way is making a crisis investment to support 211 services from November 2025 through May 2026. Goodwill of the Finger Lakes will distribute the funds to regional 211 centers based on call volume in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming counties…