As Community Needs Rise, Greater Twin Cities United Way Unites Partners to Respond, Calls on Region to Join In

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 12, 2026) – Across the Greater Twin Cities, families are facing mounting challenges: lost income due to missed work, difficulty accessing food, rising housing instability and an impending rental crisis, and growing uncertainty about where to turn for help.  

In recent weeks, these pressures have only intensified, and Greater Twin Cities United Way (United Way) has accelerated its response efforts to meet this moment in our community. 

As a trusted nonprofit that has served the region for more than 110 years, United Way is connecting people in crisis to help, moving resources and dollars quickly to frontline nonprofits, and convening partners across sectors to respond together. 

“Greater Twin Cities United Way is grateful to be working alongside passionate and resilient nonprofit partners, with the support of generous donors, as we accelerate response efforts to meet this moment in our community,” said Kristina Salkowski, Senior Vice President of Advancement at Greater Twin Cities United Way. 

What we’re seeing in community right now 

Through its 211 resource helpline, United Way is hearing directly from neighbors experiencing urgent needs. 211 has been responding to surges in housing and food requests: At their highest, 211 calls and texts related to food assistance were up 197%, housing stability was up 103% and rental assistance was up 235%. Additionally, requests from Spanish-speaking households have increased dramatically and were up 1,646%. Many callers report lost work, fear disrupting daily routines, or sudden gaps in income that make it impossible to cover rent or groceries. 

At the same time, nonprofit partners report unprecedented demand. Food shelves are expanding access by bringing food to people in their homes. Housing organizations are trying to prevent evictions with fewer and more strained resources. Direct-service staff are stretched thin as they care for neighbors who are navigating trauma and instability. 

“Nonprofits on the frontlines are rapidly innovating and responding to evolving community needs as they arise,” said Shannon Smith Jones, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Greater Twin Cities United Way. “We are proud to support the amazing work of our community partners.” 

What United Way is doing 

Greater Twin Cities United Way is activating its unique role as a uniter and convener, bringing together nonprofits, volunteers, donors, corporate partners and public leaders to respond quickly and effectively to this crisis. 

Right now, United Way is: 

• Providing real-time referrals through 211, offering free, confidential, multilingual support to people seeking food, housing and rental assistance, mental health services, and other essentials 24/7, every day of the year. 

• Moving emergency resources quickly, issuing flexible grants to nonprofit partners so they can adapt, respond and meet urgent needs as they arise. United Way is also supporting the people doing the work, investing in nonprofits’ self-care and wellness practices for staff to ensure their continuing resiliency during an intense and evolving period. To date, United Way has invested more than $450,000 in emergency response funding to local nonprofits on the frontlines of the crisis. 

• Strengthening coordination across the region, sharing real-time insights from 211 and community partners with funders, corporations, city officials and state legislators to inform a collective response.  

“This is a moment that requires speed, trust and deep relationships,” continued Smith Jones. “Our job is to sit at the center, to listen, connect and move resources where they can make the greatest difference. That’s what United Way was built to do.” 

What’s still needed, and how the community can help 

While United Way is working hard to meet the moment, the needs in our communities are significant. Nonprofits need flexible resources to continue serving families during this unprecedented time. Volunteers are needed to help bring food, household essentials and other supplies to families. And community members are looking for trusted ways to help without unintentionally burdening busy nonprofits. 

Greater Twin Cities United Way is inviting individuals, companies and institutions to join a coordinated response by: 

• Giving to United Way’s Community Response Fund, which allows resources to be deployed quickly as needs shift. 

• Volunteering through Volunteer United, connecting people to meaningful opportunities that meet urgent needs. 

• Using and sharing 211, ensuring neighbors know where to turn for help. 

A moment that calls for all of us 

Greater Twin Cities United Way expresses deep gratitude to the partners who are making this work possible, including: 

• United Way’s over 100 nonprofit partner organizations that are showing up for community every day. 

• Volunteers who are offering their time and talent to help their neighbors. 

• Corporate partners and individual donors that are infusing critical resources and funds to support this work. 

• Legislators advocating for the wellbeing of their communities. 

“This moment calls for unity,” said John Wilgers, President and CEO of Greater Twin Cities United Way. “We’ve been here before, and we know what works. When we join together, align our efforts, and act with care and urgency, we can help families today while strengthening the community we all share for tomorrow.” 

To learn more or join the response, visit gtcuw.org/join-us.  

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About Greater Twin Cities United Way
Greater Twin Cities United Way unites changemakers, advocates for social good, and develops solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone to create a community where all people thrive regardless of income, race or place. For more information, visit gtcuw.org and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.