2-1-1 Utah urges funding to scale statewide referral hub for homelessness response

Senator Weiler introduced representatives from United Way and 2-1-1 Utah and invited Todd McGee, 2-1-1 managing director, to explain the request. McGee described 2-1-1 as a free, statewide information and referral system accessible by phone, text and online that connects callers in crisis — including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness — with trained service navigators.

"When someone experienced homelessness is at risk or is at risk of becoming homeless, they reach out and they're connected with a trained service navigator who can assess their situation," McGee said, and described the proposed RFA as an investment in existing infrastructure to improve coordination, referral accuracy and case management capacity. The program team noted it has developed a legislative dashboard to make local needs visible to the public and lawmakers.

McGee framed the RFA as a scalable, cost‑effective investment that strengthens early intervention and reduces duplication across providers. Committee members thanked presenters and asked whether this RFA funded a specific program such as Know By Name; presenters clarified that the request does not fund that specific project but builds on lessons from related pilots.

The committee did not take a formal vote at the hearing. Presenters offered additional materials and said they would work with members as the appropriations process continues.