Georgia 211 statewide expansion: advancing access, integration, and disaster preparedness - georgia's 211 system is an essential gateway to health and human services

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded $2 million to United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc. on August 31, 2026, under the Social Services Research and Demonstration program (CFDA 93.647).

The award funds Georgia 211 Statewide Expansion, a project to establish coordinated, technology-enabled access to health and human services across Georgia within 12 months. The recipient will integrate ten existing 211 hubs through cloud-based telephony, interoperable data systems, and multichannel access via call, text, chat, and web. The project will create a comprehensive, real-time resource database covering all Georgia counties, with emphasis on housing, food, healthcare, and disaster response services. By strengthening cross-sector partnerships and enhancing disaster preparedness, the initiative aims to increase service utilization, improve response times, and generate data to inform policy and funding decisions.

Performance occurs in Georgia with completion targeted for August 30, 2027. The assistance type is a project grant.

However, IT currently lacks statewide coverage and leaves significant gaps in access for rural and underserved populations. This project, led by united way of the chattahoochee valley, will establish a coordinated, technology-enabled 211 network that achieves 100% statewide coverage within 12 months. This initiative will integrate ten existing 211 hubs through a modernized infrastructure that includes cloud-based telephony, interoperable data systems, and multichannel access via call, text, chat, and web. A core component of the project is the creation of a comprehensive, real-time resource database for all counties, with a focus on critical needs such as housing, food, healthcare, and disaster response services. By strengthening cross-sector partnerships, enhancing disaster preparedness, and expanding outreach, this project will increase service utilization, improve response times, and provide actionable data to inform policy and funding decisions. Ultimately, this effort will create a sustainable, accessible 211 system that ensures all georgians can receive vital resources and support when they need IT most.