Update:
According to a spokesperson for Solari Crisis and Human Services, they have received a $1 million financial commitment for the 211 Arizona program from APS through the coordinating efforts of Governor Katie Hobbs’ office, with a further commitment from the Governor’s office to secure the remaining necessary funding to operate the program through the state’s 2026 fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2025.
Solari also tells ABC15 that Governor Hobbs has committed to include ongoing funding for 211 Arizona in her state budget, beginning in state fiscal year 2027.
Solari CEO Justin Chase says right now, they are working to secure the additional funding necessary to avoid a lapse in service.
The governor's office sent this statement to ABC15:
"To prevent an interruption of such a vital service, our office was able to broker support from APS and other utility partners to fund 211 through the beginning of 2026. We will continue to work to identify short and long term funding solutions to continue such an important service for Arizonans. The Governor’s office has committed to convene stakeholders (state agencies, local governments, utilities, etc.) to develop a long-term solution to fund 211's live operator service."
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Original story:
211 Arizona service in jeopardy
Solari Crisis and Human Services is calling on state leaders to take action to preserve statewide funding for 211 Arizona.
Solari President Andrew Erwin says that unless $3.5 million in funding is included in the state’s budget, the program will no longer allow you to speak with a real person on the other end of the phone.
Currently, if you call 2-1-1, a real person will answer and help direct you to services like housing, food, heat relief, and transportation. Without the funding, callers would no longer speak with a real person. They would instead make their way through robotic prompts to get the information they are seeking.
Erwin said speaking with a real person ensures the person calling gets their complex needs met.
“We do a lot of work with seniors and individuals with disabilities,” Erwin said. “It might be more difficult for those populations to manage working through things like portals and the internet, and we help facilitate that on their behalf.”
211 Arizona received funding during the pandemic, which allowed them to provide that real person connection. That funding is now running out.
Solari is calling on Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to include the funding in the 2026 budget.
ABC15 reached out to the governor's office. A spokesperson for Governor Hobbs provided the following statement:
"We deeply value Solari’s 211 live operator line for connecting Arizonans, especially our most vulnerable, to critical services. Since 2023, Governor Hobbs has supported 211 through a significant investment of more than $25 million, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds which are set to expire next fiscal year. We recognize Solari’s vital role in our community, and our office is actively working to explore solutions to sustainably fund this service."
