Basic Needs

United is the Way to help Utah kids and families meet their basic needs.

United Way of Salt Lake mobilizes people and resources to ensure everyone has secure access to essentials like housing, food, transportation, and health care. We know that when these needs are met, people in our community are empowered to thrive.

211 Utah Connects People to the Help They Need

211 Utah is the single access point to Utah’s 10,000+ social service programs. Supported by United Ways of Utah (United Way of Salt Lake, United Way of Central and Southern Utah, and United Way of Northern Utah), this vital service helps people navigate complex systems by providing information, support, and one-on-one assistance.

United Way of Salt Lake manages the 211 Utah Salt Lake City team comprised of compassionate, highly trained Service Navigators, Database Curators, Disaster Specialists, and Outreach Coordinators who connect you to the support you need when in crisis or difficult circumstances.

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Basic Needs By the Numbers

referrals were made on behalf of Utahns in need through 211 Utah.

of the needs requested through 211 Utah are basic needs including housing, utility assistance, transportation, health care, and food.*

of eligible cases had a follow-up scheduled to ensure clients received the help they needed.

All data reflects FY26. *Housing and utility assistance accounted for 54% of all basic needs requested.

Our Basic Needs Initiatives

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Arbor 515 Emergency Fund

United Way of Salt Lake partners with the Perpetual Housing Fund to support the Arbor 515 Emergency Fund. This initiative provides up to $1,000 annually in emergency assistance, applied directly as credit toward rent, for eligible residents in our building. Intended to prevent small financial emergencies from becoming housing crises, the fund creates a more comprehensive approach to resident stability and long-term financial security.

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Bereaved Youth Initiative

211 Utah partners with the Children’s Collaborative for Healing and Support to identify and support youth who have experienced the loss of a caregiver or sibling. 211 Utah Service Navigators connect these youth and their families with resources such as grief counseling, survivor benefits, and more.

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Our Basic Needs Advocacy

As part of our public policy work, United Way of Salt Lake advocates for initiatives addressing healthcare, affordable housing, and access to healthy food to promote overall health and well-being for all children and families.

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Our Funded Partners in Basic Needs

United Way of Salt Lake supports and collaborates with many funded partners who provide services and resources to address food insecurity, provide health resources, and more. By fueling this work, we broaden our impact and empower more children and families across Utah to meet their basic needs and thrive.