By Jan McLaughlin
Sandra De Steno sees families struggling more than ever. One flat tire or a sick child can quickly spiral into a crisis. When bills pile up, people may face losing their heat or even their home. “It’s tough to discuss food insecurity when someone doesn’t even have a working refrigerator,” she explains.
As director of the United Way 211 program, De Steno provides support across a 16-county area. She’s noticed a significant increase in calls for help, especially after a temporary halt to SNAP food benefits exposed existing challenges. “Before this year, the need was already high. Now, it feels overwhelming,” she says. Many families live paycheck to paycheck, and some are struggling even more.
In fact, calls to the 211 service jumped from 2,881 in 2024 to 3,671 in 2025. Here’s a closer look at some of the pressing needs:
- Housing and shelter: 1,099 calls in 2024 to 1,406 in 2025.
- Food: 479 calls in 2024 to 770 in 2025.
- Utilities: 374 to 461.
- Healthcare: 109 to 139.
- Employment and income: 150 to 174.
- Transportation assistance: 142 to 184.
“People are hit hard by new problems. It’s like a domino effect,” De Steno notes. Many seniors are caught between paying for housing and medication. “It’s frustrating. They might skip a meal to afford heating, leading to food insecurity,” she adds. “To truly tackle hunger, we must stabilize households.”
In Ohio, 14% of households fall below the federal poverty line. An additional 25% are barely making ends meet, meaning nearly 39% of households face tough decisions daily. These decisions often involve whether to pay for food or medicine, with many working multiple jobs yet still struggling to keep up with rising costs. Child care and healthcare expenses only add to the pressure.
The end of key funding sources has also left gaps. With Medicaid expansion ending and rising utility costs, many community members are feeling the strain. “Non-profits are pushed to the limit,” De Steno shares. “We’re seeing more people who need shelter than we can accommodate. Almost one in three who call for help can’t find a safe place to sleep.”
Despite not being visible, homelessness exists, with people sleeping in unsafe areas or staying with friends and family. De Steno emphasizes the lack of shelters: “Toledo’s shelters are full, and we need more options in Wood County.”
Addressing this growing crisis also takes a toll on those providing support. “It’s a heavy load,” De Steno says. Listening to heartbreaking stories can lead to compassion fatigue among helpers. “We all need to take care of ourselves too,” she advises.
For those wanting to help, De Steno suggests volunteering, gathering resources, or even donating items to local food pantries. The need goes beyond just food—many items like toiletries aren’t covered by SNAP. “Adopt a pantry, help with transportation, and check on your neighbors,” she urges. “Don’t assume someone else is helping.”
Advocating for local resources like shelters is crucial. “Every voice matters,” De Steno insists. In these tough times, pushing for change can help bring stability to families in need.
