Label
United Way 211 Services Support
Cosponsors: Komives, McPherson, Morris
Lucille Frank (x1417)
Title
Authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $100,000 from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for United Way of Greater Toledo 211 Services in 2026; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
United Way of Greater Toledo (UWGT) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and operates the local 211 call service that connects the public with assistance programs for needs, including those not covered by other government programs. UWGT’s 211 program is an essential component of public infrastructure in Northwest Ohio. So far in 2025, the program received more than 87,053 connections for help, through call, text, and chat, ensuring these residents had access to the vital health and human services they need to lead more fulfilling lives.
211 provides an essential service as a key piece of health and human services public infrastructure in NW Ohio. However, it does not currently benefit from sustainable public investment in the same manner as 911 and 988.
An annual $100,000 investment in 211 ensures sustainability of the program beyond shelter services, of which up to two-thirds of information and referral services are dedicated to City of Toledo residents, and will encourage more direct communication and partnership with emergency services, Engage Toledo, and other City of Toledo departments. In 2023, Ordinance 512-23 was passed unanimously to amend the framework of the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Toledo Recovery Plan) and also authorized the appropriation of $300,000 to support United Way of Greater Toledo 211 Services for Toledo Residents. Ordinance 512-23 further authorized the expenditure of $100,000 for the calendar year of 2024, leaving $200,000 appropriated for years 2025 and 2026. This Ordinance authorizes the expenditure of the last $100,000 for the 2026 calendar year.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the appropriation of $100,000 was authorized from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund from Account Code 2021-10100-1211UNITWYRRP and the expenditure of same is authorized to support the delivery of 211 Services in the 2026 calendar year.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into a grant agreement with United Way of Greater Toledo for the above authorized purposes, upon terms and conditions consistent with American Rescue Plan Act regulations and acceptable to the Director of Law.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Finance is authorized to draw a warrant or warrants against Account Code 2021-10100-1211UNITWYRRP in an amount not to exceed $100,000 in payment of the above-authorized obligation upon presentation of the proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 4. That as a condition of this funding UWGT shall provide a comprehensive report by October 31st of each funding year to the Mayor and Council, detailing the current year use of funding and how the 211 service has benefited the Toledo community. The report, at a minimum, should include the volume of calls per month, by zip code (grouped to the extent available by Council District), the type of assistance requested by callers, and a statement justifying continued funding.
SECTION 5. That any UWGT revenue from other sources currently used to fund 211 Services that is offset by funding provided under this Ordinance shall be used for programs or activities that directly benefit the residents of the City of Toledo. The report required under Section 5 shall include a detailed explanation of the programs and activities funded each report year with such offset funds.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that this ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and for the further reason that this ordinance must be immediately effective in order to provide timely sponsorship support to ensure the continued delivery of the current level of 211 Services to Toledo residents.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council