IMPACT 211 releases 2025 report:

a record year of connections and care

In 2025, IMPACT 211 recorded 314,563 total contacts - the highest in our history - surpassing even the peak demand experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These connections included 168,821 calls, texts, and chats, along with more than 136,000 additional engagements through our online resource directory, mobile app, and after-hours coverage across Wisconsin. Behind each of these numbers is a person seeking help and a connection made.

Meeting Growing and Complex Needs

The data reflects both the scale and complexity of needs across our community. Housing and shelter needs accounted for over 40% of all requests, underscoring the continued pressure on housing stability throughout the region. Health, mental health, and substance use concerns represented another 24% of needs, reinforcing the importance of accessible, coordinated care. Food requests represented 14.5% of total needs, an increase of nearly 40% since 2023. In the wake of summer flooding, IMPACT 211 and the 211 Wisconsin network collected nearly 27,000 damage reports; and 7,313 requests for Disaster-related services representing an 1800% increase over 2024.

A Trusted, High-Quality Experience

Even amid record demand, IMPACT 211 maintained exceptionally high levels of service quality:

• 99% of individuals reported they knew their next step or plan of action
• 97% said their needs were resolved
• 98% rated our specialists as friendly and professional
• 99% would recommend IMPACT 211 to others

These results reflect the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our team, who work every day to ensure that each interaction is not just informative, but empowering.

More Than a Helpline

The 2025 Report provides an overview of our work, including:

• Summary of Need with insights into notable fluctuations and gaps in services
• Top Unmet Needs
• IMPACT 211 resource department outcomes
• Collaborative initiatives and seasonal campaigns that extended our reach
• Our valued funding partners

Together, these elements tell the story of a network that is responsive, data-informed, and committed to improving lives.

Explore the Full Report

We invite you to read the full 2025 Report to better understand the needs facing our community and the role IMPACT 211 continues to play in connecting people to help and hope.

A Day to Serve at NourishMKE

IMPACT's DAY TO SERVE promotes volunteerism and encourages our employees to team build through community service. Staff can log up to 8 hours of paid volunteer engagement per year.

The IMPACT Planning & Evaluation team, as well as marketing and IT staff, spent a morning cleaning and restocking shelves at NourishMKE Community Food Centers on March 25th. Thanks to Chad Walter and his crew for welcoming us and providing an incredible resource for Milwaukee residents. In 2025, IMPACT 211 made 1,287 total referrals to NourishMKE for food, infant formula and stock boxes for low-income seniors.

Can your organization benefit from a team of IMPACT volunteers? Email clor@impactinc.org to learn more!

Since 1960, IMPACT has helped people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. We assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability; and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.