Utah 211 asking for funding to expand its services to Utah’s at-risk population

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah 211 is asking for $200,000 to expand its services and provide follow-up support.

The system, Utah 211, is available by phone, text or online and can be used by at-risk people to find help for anything from medical expenses to housing in an otherwise confusing system.

“Every day in Utah, people are experiencing homelessness, trying to navigate a system that wasn’t designed to be easy,” said Utah 211 Managing Director Todd McGee. “They’re asked to know where to go, who to speak to, how to qualify, all while facing their own challenges, whether it be crisis, trauma, instability. It’s overwhelming.”

McGee said the 211 program provides critical services for the homeless by providing a centralized information referral system, all for free.

“When someone experiencing homelessness is at risk or is at risk of becoming homeless, they reach out and they’re connected with a trained service navigator. who can assess their situation, identify resources, and coordinate next steps,” McGee said.

In his proposal, Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, points out case managers are being overwhelmed and more funding will help create a better coordination system to reduce their case load, allowing them to help more people.

A small caseload would also allow for follow-ups and support when a person has exited a shelter.

The money would also go towards improving an online dashboard showing the needs by district across the state. McGee said he hopes it can be used to make data-informed decisions and policies.

McGee said while solving homelessness is a complex issue, 211 provides needed coordination, timely information and needed access.

“It supports early intervention, reduces duplication, and helps people move more effectively from crisis towards stability before problems become more expensive and harder to solve,” McGee said.

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