2025 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 9
HOW 211 SUPPORTS
NEIGHBORS IN NEED
HELPING FAMILIES KEEP
MORE OF WHAT THEY EARN
Through United Way’s Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance (VITA) program, certi昀椀 ed
tax preparers provide free tax-preparation
services, helping qualifying individuals and
families 昀椀 le their returns accurately at no
cost. Now available: Anyone can simply call 211
to schedule a VITA appointment.
CONNECTING FAMILIES TO HELP,
RIGHT FROM A CHILD’S IPAD
At the start of the new school year, every
Sumner County Schools student received an
iPad with a new 211 icon on the home screen,
giving families a private, judgment-free way
to 昀椀 nd help right from home. Just three days
into the school year, a mother noticed the new
211 link on her child’s device. Facing a sudden
$250 rent increase, she used 211 to quickly 昀椀 nd
local food and utility assistance, helping her
family stay stable during a tough time.
WHEN SNAP PAUSED, 211 STEPPED IN
When Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) bene昀椀 ts were paused in fall
2025, 211 saw an immediate 200% surge in
calls from families unsure of how they would
put food on the table. Within hours, callers had
up-to-date information on pantries, community
meals and emergency food distribution sites.
During a moment of crisis, 211 became the
bridge between fear and food security.
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