Sacramento, CA- Today, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom announced the introduction of AB 1832, sponsored by 211 California, the Family Resource Center of San Joaquin County, and United Ways of California, to expand the 211 network and help more Californians quickly access support when they need it most.
Today, February 11, 2026, California celebrates the incredible impact of 211 and the dedicated teams working 24/7 to connect people with essential resources. In recognition of 211 Day, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom introduced new legislation to expand the network and help more Californians quickly access support.
Every day, families across the state call 211 to find food, housing, healthcare, and other basic services. The free, 24-hour hotline connects people to local resources and plays a critical role during disasters by providing information on shelters, evacuations, and recovery support. The service is available in more than 150 languages and is operated by local nonprofit partners across California. In 2025, 211 centers statewide collectively assisted people in need more than 2 million times.
“211 is a reliable resource for Californians to turn to when they’re facing a crisis, a disaster, or just trying to make ends meet. This program is a lifeline for families across our state, and the need for it continues to grow. AB 1832 helps ensure 211 has the support and visibility it needs so we can strengthen this statewide network and make sure more people can get help quickly, especially after emergencies.”
- Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom
The need is just as real at the local level. In San Joaquin County, 211 handled more than 75,000 calls, texts, and emails in 2024, with most residents seeking help with housing, utilities, and food.
Despite its impact, access to 211 services still varies by region, and many local centers rely on inconsistent funding. AB 1832 will strengthen and expand the network, so every Californian has a reliable place to turn in times of need.
“AB 1832 will help ensure that Californians have a safe place to call in times of crisis, uncertainty, and during disasters - conditions that are, unfortunately, only rising for many communities in California,” said Alana Hitchcock, Executive Director and CEO of 211 California. “2-1-1 provides the help and hope people need to connect to life changing services and community supports. We are proud to support AB 1832 to help keep that line open across California."
“For many residents, 211 is the front door to help,” said Kay Ruhstaller, CEO of Family Resource Center, which operates 211 in San Joaquin County. “It is where families turn when they don’t know where else to go, and where they can access trusted, real-time information and connections to services that meet their immediate needs. 2-1-1 is not just a referral line; it is critical infrastructure. In addition to the everyday work of connecting people to services, it supports disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.”
United Ways of California have long supported local 211 networks and continue to help coordinate services in many communities and are proud to sponsor Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom’s AB 1832.
“211 is the community front door for people seeking resources, whether people need help finding food resources, housing support, disaster relief and recovery, and more,” said Pete Manzo, President & CEO, United Ways of California. “As demand for vital services rises, especially amid steep federal cuts in safety net programs, so too must our investments in 211 programs that help us ensure the most effective use of public and private philanthropic resources to better meet Californians’ needs.”
