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United Way describes 211 Sonoma’s reach; Rohnert Park proclaims Feb. 11 as 211 Day
Summary
United Way of the Wine Country presented data showing 211 Sonoma handled roughly 140,000 contacts from July 2019–June 2025 and described local use (about 8,200 Rohnert Park contacts). The council approved a proclamation declaring Feb. 11, 2026 as 211 Day and discussed partnerships to expand outreach and free tax-assistance sites.
Lisa Keno, president and CEO of United Way of the Wine Country, told the Rohnert Park City Council on Feb. 10 that 211 Sonoma has become a primary social‑services access point, handling information and referral contacts across Sonoma County and connecting residents to housing, income support, food, health care and other services.
Keno said United Way has administered 211 Sonoma since 2019 and that, between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2025, the system handled more than 140,000 contacts and delivered roughly 157,000 service referrals countywide. For Rohnert Park specifically she said about 8,200 residents contacted 211 and the program provided about 13,000 referrals.
Keno outlined the Earn It/Keep It/Save It free tax‑assistance program and local outreach plans, including a newly launched website and soon‑to‑be publicized text‑food service (text FOOD to a number) to help residents without web access find meal supports. She asked the city to partner on outreach, co‑location of free tax sites and modest local funding to expand site availability in Rohnert Park.
Council members praised the data and suggested practical outreach steps — placing a 211 infographic on utility bills, partnering with local food pantries and the Rohnert Park Health Center (which United Way already uses as a tax‑site partner), and connecting 211 with schools, libraries and the city’s communications channels to reach under‑served neighborhoods. Jennifer Lake, 211’s director, confirmed the call center’s ability to use its resource directory to refer residents to utility‑bill assistance and other programs.
Mayor Emily Sanborn read a proclamation declaring Feb. 11, 2026 as 211 Day in Rohnert Park, noting the service’s role during emergencies and its multilingual call specialists. United Way staff, volunteers and local partners joined council members for a group photo following the proclamation.
What happens next: United Way and city staff agreed to continue coordination; United Way will work with the city manager’s office, community groups and the Rohnert Park Foundation to identify funding and outreach channels and to schedule volunteer tax‑assistance events in the city.
Source: Presentation to the Rohnert Park City Council, Feb. 10, 2026, by Lisa Keno and United Way staff.
